Heating
Boiler installation and repair in Ottawa
Hot-water heat is quiet, even and well suited to older Ottawa homes. We repair and replace boilers for radiator and in-floor systems, and keep the rest of the system in good shape around them.
- HRAI member
- TSSA affiliated
- Licensed technicians
- Free estimates
01Is it time?
Call us about your boiler if…
- 01 Some radiators stay cold while others are hot.
- 02 You hear banging, gurgling or kettling sounds when the heat comes on.
- 03 The pressure gauge drops often, or the relief valve drips or discharges water.
- 04 There are leaks or rust around the boiler, pipes or radiator valves.
- 05 Your boiler is 20 to 25 years old or more and still runs on a chimney.
- 06 You want to free up space in the basement or add an indirect hot water tank.
02The install
What's included in a boiler install
A boiler is part of a whole hydronic system. We look at the pipes, pumps and radiators, not just the box in the basement.
Heat-loss sizing
Many older boilers were sized for drafty houses and coal-era radiators. We calculate today's heat loss so the new boiler isn't oversized and constantly cycling.
System assessment
We check radiators, piping, expansion tank, circulator pumps and zone valves, and tell you what can stay and what should be replaced with the boiler.
Venting and condensate
Condensing boilers vent through plastic pipe out a side wall and produce water that needs to drain. We plan the route and the condensate drain so it works in winter.
Water treatment and flushing
Old systems carry sludge and rust. We flush where needed and treat the water so a new boiler's heat exchanger isn't fouled in the first season.
Controls and zoning
Outdoor reset controls adjust water temperature to the weather, which is where a modern boiler saves most of its fuel. We set them up and explain them.
Start-up and safety checks
Gas lines are leak-tested, combustion is checked, relief valves and low-water cut-offs are tested, and air is bled from the system before we leave.
04Options
Which boiler setup suits your home?
The right choice depends on your radiators, your hot water needs and how much room you have.
Condensing boiler
Best for: Most homes with radiators or in-floor heat
The most efficient option. It saves the most fuel when return water runs cooler, which outdoor reset controls and generous radiators make possible on most days.
Combi boiler
Best for: Smaller homes, condos and tight mechanical rooms
Heats the house and makes domestic hot water on demand from one wall-hung unit. Frees up space where a water heater used to sit.
Boiler with indirect tank
Best for: Larger families with high hot water use
The boiler heats a separate, well-insulated storage tank. Good for several bathrooms running at once.
05How it works
From first call to first cold night
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us about your radiators or in-floor heat, the boiler's age and any problems you've noticed.
- 2
Free in-home estimate
We look at the boiler, the piping and the radiators, and check venting and space for a new unit.
- 3
Clear written quote
Equipment, piping changes, venting and price in writing before any work starts.
- 4
Installation
A boiler replacement usually takes one to three days depending on piping changes. We plan it so you're without heat as little as possible.
- 5
Yearly service
Boilers need an annual check of combustion, pressure, safety controls and the condensate drain.
What does a boiler cost in Ottawa?
Cost depends on the type of boiler, whether it also makes your hot water, how much near-boiler piping needs to change, and the venting route. Replacing a chimney-vented boiler with a wall-hung condensing unit usually involves more piping and venting work than a like-for-like swap.
Repairs depend on the part. Circulator pumps, zone valves, expansion tanks and igniters are common fixes. We tell you the cost before we do the work.
Rebates & financing
High-efficiency boiler upgrades may qualify for energy-efficiency programs from time to time. We check what's currently available for your home during the estimate.
Current programsWhy are some of my radiators cold?
Usually trapped air. Bleeding the radiator at its small valve often fixes it. If the problem returns, it can point to low system pressure, a failing circulator or a zone valve that isn't opening.
What pressure should my boiler be at?
Most residential systems run around 12 to 15 psi when cold, rising a little when hot. Pressure that climbs near 30 psi, or that keeps falling, needs a technician's attention.
Can I add air conditioning to a home with radiators?
Yes. Ductless mini-splits are the most common way, since they need no ductwork. Many owners also use them for shoulder-season heating and keep the boiler for the coldest months.
How long do boilers last?
Well-maintained cast-iron boilers can last 25 years or more. Modern condensing boilers typically last 15 to 20 years with yearly service and good water quality.
Will a new boiler work with my old cast-iron radiators?
In most cases, yes. Cast-iron radiators hold heat well and work nicely with a condensing boiler. We flush the system and check for sludge before connecting a new boiler.
Do you repair boilers as well as install them?
Yes. We repair and service residential boilers, including pumps, valves, expansion tanks and controls. If a boiler is near the end of its life, we'll explain the replacement options too.
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