Boiler Service & Repair
Boiler heating — using hot water circulated through radiators or in-floor tubing instead of forced air — is less common in newer Halton Hills homes but very common in heritage homes downtown Georgetown, in Glen Williams, and in some Acton heritage properties. A well-maintained residential boiler can run reliably for 25–40 years, much longer than typical forced-air furnaces, and the heat distribution is often more comfortable and consistent.
We service, repair, and replace residential and small commercial boilers — both the older atmospheric units still running in heritage homes and the modern high-efficiency condensing boilers used in newer in-floor radiant systems. Our technicians are TSSA-certified for gas boiler work and trained on the major brands installed in Ontario over the past 50+ years.
When you need boiler service
Common boiler issues we see in Halton Hills:
- No heat from radiators — could be a circulator pump failure, a thermostat issue, an air-bound system, or a controls problem. Diagnosis is more involved than forced-air no-heat calls.
- Some radiators heat, others don't — typically air in the system that needs to be bled, but can also indicate circulator issues or partial blockages.
- Boiler cycling on and off frequently — pressure issues, expansion tank problems, or a failing aquastat are common causes.
- Visible leaks at the boiler, valves, or radiator connections — small leaks become big leaks. Worth diagnosing the source promptly.
- Boiler over 25 years old — atmospheric boilers from the 1980s and 1990s are still running reliably in many Halton Hills homes, but they're 70–80% efficiency at best. Replacement with a 95%+ efficiency condensing boiler typically cuts gas consumption 15–25%.
- Strange noises — banging during startup (delayed ignition), kettling sounds (mineral buildup or low water flow), or persistent humming (pump issues) all warrant a diagnostic visit.
- System pressure abnormalities — a healthy residential hot-water boiler typically runs at 12–15 psi. Persistently high (over 25 psi) or low (under 10 psi) pressure indicates problems.
How a boiler service call goes
- 01
System assessment
Boiler systems are more variable than forced-air systems — every install is somewhat custom, particularly in heritage homes where decades of modifications have layered on top of original equipment. We start by mapping the system: boiler, expansion tank, circulator(s), zone valves, indirect water heater (if any), and how it all connects to radiators or in-floor tubing.
- 02
Diagnosis
We check combustion (for gas/oil boilers), pressure, water level, expansion tank pre-charge, circulator amp draw, and aquastat operation. For systems with multiple zones or controls, we verify each zone's call-for-heat behavior. Most diagnostic visits run 45–75 minutes.
- 03
Repair
Common repairs — circulator pump replacement, expansion tank replacement, aquastat replacement, pressure relief valve, fill valve, air bleed and rebalance — are typically completed in the same visit. Specialty repairs on older boilers sometimes require parts that need to be ordered.
- 04
System balance
After repairs, we bleed air from the system, verify proper water pressure and circulation, and confirm each zone is heating evenly. This step gets skipped on quick repair visits, but it's the difference between a boiler that runs and one that runs well.
Boiler brands we service
We work on every major residential and small commercial boiler brand sold in Ontario, including the older units still in service in heritage homes:
What boiler service costs in Halton Hills
Diagnostic service call: $150–$220, waived if you proceed with the recommended repair. Common boiler repairs:
- Circulator pump replacement: $550–$1,100 depending on pump size and accessibility
- Expansion tank replacement: $350–$650
- Aquastat / controls replacement: $400–$900
- Pressure relief valve: $250–$400
- System bleed and rebalance: $180–$320
- Power flush (mineral buildup remediation): $600–$1,200
- Annual boiler tune-up: $220–$340
Boiler replacement is a larger project than furnace replacement: typical residential atmospheric boiler replacement runs $5,500–$9,000 for like-for-like, while conversion to high-efficiency condensing boiler runs $7,500–$13,000. In-floor radiant system installations with new boiler integration are larger projects, $15,000–$30,000+ depending on home size and system complexity.
High-efficiency condensing boilers (95%+ efficiency) qualify for HRS rebates similar to high-efficiency furnaces.
Boiler Service questions
What's the difference between a boiler and a furnace?
A furnace heats air and blows it through ducts; a boiler heats water and circulates it through radiators or in-floor tubing. Heat distribution is fundamentally different. Boilers tend to provide more even, comfortable heat (no forced-air drafts) but don't include cooling — homes with boilers usually have separate AC systems or use ductless mini-splits for cooling. Boilers typically last longer than furnaces — 25–40 years vs 15–20.
Should I keep my old boiler running or replace it?
Two factors: efficiency and reliability. An atmospheric boiler from the 1980s or 1990s is around 75–82% efficient — modern condensing boilers hit 95–97%. Over a 10-year ownership period, the operating cost difference can run $4,000–$8,000 for a typical Halton Hills home. Reliability is the other factor: older boilers can run reliably for decades, but parts availability eventually becomes an issue. If your boiler is over 30 years old and showing reliability issues, replacement is usually the smart call.
My radiators sound like they're banging. Is something wrong?
Banging from radiators is usually water hammer or steam-condensate issues (in steam boiler systems specifically). For hot-water boiler systems (most common in Halton Hills), banging usually indicates air in the system that needs to be bled, or a check valve failure. Both are diagnosable and fixable. Banging from the boiler itself rather than the radiators is more concerning — could indicate delayed ignition or mineral scaling.
Do you do in-floor radiant heating systems?
Yes — both new installations (typically in addition or basement renovations) and service of existing systems. In-floor radiant pairs particularly well with high-efficiency condensing boilers because the lower water temperatures used in radiant floors maximize the boiler's condensing efficiency. We can design systems for new builds, additions, basement renovations, or whole-home retrofits when ductless cooling is paired separately.
Are condensing boilers right for older homes?
Sometimes — but it requires evaluation. Condensing boilers achieve their efficiency advantage at lower water temperatures (140°F or below). Older homes with cast iron radiators were often designed for 180°F+ water, and at lower temps the radiators may not provide enough heat output. The fix is usually adding more radiator capacity or adjusting the heating-curve controls. We assess this during the in-home consultation rather than recommending blind replacement.
How often should boilers be serviced?
Annually, similar to furnace tune-ups. The combustion analysis, pressure check, expansion tank inspection, and circulator amp draw test catch issues before they become winter no-heat emergencies. Boiler tune-ups also extend equipment life — well-maintained residential boilers regularly hit 30+ years, while neglected ones often fail at 15–20.
Can you convert my boiler system to forced-air or vice versa?
Possible, but rarely the right call. Boiler-to-forced-air conversion requires installing ductwork throughout the home — invasive, expensive, and visually compromising in heritage homes. If your home has a boiler and you want air conditioning, ductless mini-split is almost always the smarter answer than a full conversion.
Ready to book boiler service?
Call us or submit a quick request. We'll get back to you within an hour during working hours.
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · 24/7 emergency service available