Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend annual maintenance for all boiler systems. Regular servicing helps ensure efficient operation, prevents breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your system, and maintains warranty coverage. For commercial systems or older boilers, bi-annual servicing may be beneficial.

Common signs include unusual noises (banging, whistling, gurgling), leaks or drips, inconsistent heating, frequent pressure drops, error codes on the display, higher than normal energy bills, or the boiler shutting down unexpectedly. If you notice any of these issues, it's best to call for professional service.

With proper maintenance, most modern boilers last 15-20 years. High-efficiency condensing boilers typically have a lifespan of 15-18 years, while cast iron boilers can last 20-30 years. Regular professional maintenance can significantly extend your boiler's useful life.

Yes, in most cases. Modern high-efficiency boilers can operate at 95% efficiency or higher, compared to older models that might operate at 70-80% efficiency. This can translate to energy savings of 15-30% on your heating bills. Additionally, new systems offer improved reliability, better temperature control, and may qualify for rebates or incentives.

Boiler sizing depends on several factors including your home's square footage, insulation levels, climate zone, number of radiators or zones, and hot water demands. Our technicians perform a heat load calculation to determine the appropriate size. An oversized or undersized boiler can lead to inefficiency, comfort issues, and premature system failure.

New boiler installation costs in Metro Vancouver typically range from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the type and size of the system, complexity of the installation, and additional components required. High-efficiency condensing boilers generally cost more upfront but offer long-term energy savings.

Boiler repair costs vary widely depending on the issue, from $200-$300 for minor repairs like replacing a thermostat or pressure switch, to $500-$1,500 for more significant repairs like pump replacement or heat exchanger cleaning. Complex issues may cost more. We provide detailed quotes before beginning any work.

Annual boiler maintenance typically costs between $150-$300 in the Metro Vancouver area. We offer maintenance plans that can reduce this cost and provide priority service. Regular maintenance is a small investment that can prevent costly emergency repairs.

Yes, there are often rebates available through BC Hydro, FortisBC, and other energy efficiency programs for upgrading to high-efficiency boiler systems. Rebates can range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the efficiency of the new system. Our team can help identify available rebates and assist with the application process.

We can connect you with financing options through our partners for boiler installations and replacements. This allows you to spread the cost over time while enjoying the benefits and energy savings of a new system immediately.

If your boiler is leaking water, first turn off the water supply to the boiler if you can safely do so. Next, turn off the boiler itself. If there's a significant leak or any risk to electrical systems, turn off the electricity to the boiler at your circuit breaker. Then call us immediately for emergency service. Do not attempt to repair a leaking boiler yourself.

Low pressure is a common issue. Check the pressure gauge - it should typically read between 1-1.5 bar. If it's below 1, you may be able to repressurise the system using the filling loop (consult your manual). If pressure drops again quickly, or if you're uncomfortable repressurising yourself, call us for service as this may indicate a leak or other issue.

First, check basic issues: ensure power is reaching the boiler, check if the thermostat is set correctly, and verify that the gas supply is on. If these are all fine, check if the boiler is displaying any error codes. Make a note of any codes to tell our technicians. Then call us for service, as the issue likely requires professional diagnosis and repair.

We offer same-day emergency service throughout Metro Vancouver. In most cases, we can have a technician at your location within 2-4 hours. During peak winter months, response times may be slightly longer, but we prioritize customers without heat, especially vulnerable households.

Banging, knocking, or gurgling sounds from your boiler can indicate several issues, from air in the system to more serious problems like kettling or pump failure. While not always an immediate emergency, these sounds should not be ignored as they can signal problems that could lead to system damage. We recommend calling for service soon after noticing unusual noises.

Our comprehensive annual maintenance includes: inspection of all components, cleaning of the heat exchanger, burner and condensate trap, checking and adjusting gas pressure, testing safety controls and limit switches, checking expansion vessel pressure, inspecting for leaks, verifying proper venting, testing efficiency, and providing a detailed report with recommendations.

The ideal time for annual maintenance is in late summer or early fall, before the heating season begins. This ensures your system is ready for winter and allows time to address any issues discovered during maintenance. However, maintenance can be performed year-round, and consistent timing is more important than the specific season.

While professional maintenance is essential, homeowners can perform some basic tasks: monitor system pressure, visually inspect for leaks, ensure vents remain unobstructed, bleed radiators if needed, and keep the area around the boiler clean and free of obstructions. Always consult your owner's manual and never attempt to disassemble or repair the boiler yourself.

Regular maintenance extends boiler lifespan by identifying and addressing small issues before they become major problems, keeping components clean and functioning efficiently, reducing strain on the system, preventing corrosion and scale buildup, and ensuring optimal combustion. A well-maintained boiler can last 5-10 years longer than a neglected one.

Yes, we offer several maintenance plan options that include annual or bi-annual service, priority scheduling, discounted repair rates, and extended parts warranties. These plans provide peace of mind and can be more cost-effective than paying for individual service calls. Contact us for details on our current maintenance plans.

We recommend several high-quality brands depending on your specific needs and budget. Viessmann and Bosch are excellent for premium, high-efficiency systems. Navien and Rinnai offer great value with reliable performance. IBC and NTI are solid Canadian-made options. During consultation, we'll recommend specific models based on your home's requirements, hot water needs, and efficiency goals.

Yes, our technicians are trained and certified to service all major boiler brands including Navien, Viessmann, Bosch, Rinnai, IBC, NTI, Baxi, Laars, Triangle Tube, and Slant/Fin. We regularly update our training to stay current with the latest technology and repair techniques for each manufacturer.

Yes, we specialize in both installation and service of combination (combi) boilers, which provide both space heating and domestic hot water. Popular combi boiler brands we work with include Navien NCB series, Viessmann Vitodens, Rinnai i-Series, and IBC SL Series. These systems are excellent space-saving solutions for many homes.

Condensing boilers extract additional heat from exhaust gases by condensing water vapor, achieving efficiencies of 90-98%. Non-condensing boilers vent these gases, limiting efficiency to 80-85%. Condensing boilers cost more initially but offer significant energy savings, especially in colder climates like Vancouver. Most modern installations are condensing boilers due to efficiency regulations.

We maintain an extensive inventory of parts for both current and many older boiler models. For discontinued models, we have reliable sourcing channels for OEM and compatible replacement parts. If parts are no longer available, we'll discuss repair alternatives or recommend replacement options if necessary.