Boiler Installation, Repair & Service

What’s a Boiler, Exactly?

A boiler is a system that heats water to a high temperature, sometimes to the boiling point (steam), then circulates it through pipes to radiators or other heating fixtures in a building. 

Boilers can also complement other heating systems like furnaces or heat pumps. They’re common in colder climates where central heating is essential for comfort and in commercial buildings with high heat or hot water demands. 

They offer several advantages, including efficiency, reliability, and longevity — plus the ability to heat potable water.

Boilers vs. Water Heaters: What’s the Difference?

Boiler

• Used to power a building’s central heating system. Circulates hot water through pipes to radiators, underfloor heating systems, or baseboard heaters.
• Doubles as a high-temperature water heater in the range of 140°F to 220°F.
• Is more energy-efficient than a water heater, but also more expensive to purchase and install.
• Usually installed away from living areas — i.e., in a basement, utility room, or garage.

Water Heater

• Provides hot water for washing, bathing, and cleaning.
• Less energy-efficient than boilers, but cheaper to purchase and install.
• Typically heats water to temperatures around 120°F (the safe point before the risk of scalding).
• Can be installed directly at the point of use (e.g., under the sink) or centrally to supply hot water to multiple points in a building.

Signs Your Boiler Needs Maintenance or Repair

These are some of the telltale signs your boiler needs professional attention:

• Lack of heat: Inadequate heat or hot water could be due to a malfunctioning boiler (heating element), a blocked heat exchanger, pump or circulation problems, or thermostat issues.
• Strange noises: Whistling, banging, gurgling, and squealing all point to different problems within the boiler.
• Leaks: Deteriorated gaskets, damaged valves, water pressure problems, and corrosion are the usual suspects for leakage.
• Too much heat: A broken thermostat or pump could prevent your boiler from cycling off.
• Strange smells: A burning odor can indicate an electrical malfunction, a clogged burner, or a fuel leak. A rotten egg smell may be due to natural gas — a safety concern because gas is flammable and toxic.
• Increased energy bills: A malfunctioning component or a loss of pressure will reduce boiler efficiency and drive up energy use.
• Intermittent heating: If your boiler heats up and cools down repeatedly, the thermostat, circulation pump, or other system components may be at fault.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: A damaged or miscalibrated thermostat won’t read temperatures correctly and can cause temperature fluctuations.
• Loss of boiler pressure: This could be due to leaks, air in the system, a faulty expansion vessel, or a malfunctioning pressure-reducing valve.

Can Boilers Explode?

Yes, poorly maintained or malfunctioning boilers can explode if enough pressure builds up.

A lack of water in the system, a faulty pressure release valve, or a blocked pipe can create conditions for rupture.

Regular maintenance is critical. An experienced technician can diagnose potential issues and keep your boiler running safely and efficiently.

Repair vs. Replacement: When Should You Install a New Boiler?

An older or troublesome boiler may not be worth the cost of repair. The best boilers today are up to 98 percent efficient. Replacing an old boiler with one of these Energy Star-rated models could save you money in the long run.

Our technicians will inspect your boiler, identify any problems, and provide a range of repair or replacement options that make sense for your home or business.

Factors include:

1. Age: If the boiler is over 15 years old and has a history of breakdowns, it may be time to replace it.
2. Cost of repairs: If the repair bill is close to the cost of a new boiler, a new, fully warranted boiler is your best option.
3. Energy efficiency: New boilers are more energy-efficient than older models, and the savings from lower energy bills can offset the price tag of a new boiler over time.
4. Availability of parts: If parts are scarce or the manufacturer has stopped producing them, a new boiler is your only option.
5. Performance: If your old boiler isn’t meeting hot water and steam demands, consider an upgrade.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace a boiler should be based on a cost-benefit analysis, considering the age, cost of repairs, energy efficiency, availability of parts, and performance of the old boiler.

Who Uses Boilers Today?

Boilers are common in hospitals, hotels, schools, restaurants, apartment complexes, government buildings, and other large-scale facilities where there’s a need for a high-volume, constant, and reliable source of hot water or steam.

They’re used in industrial processes, such as in power plants for generating electricity and in food processing for sterilization and pasteurization.

Increasingly, boilers are installed in single-family homes with hydronic radiant heating.

Boiler Installation for Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant heating warms people and objects directly via infrared radiation, like the sun.

It feels more natural than forced air, especially in large open spaces. Radiant systems are highly efficient and invisible if installed under floors, making them a favorite with designers for upscale homes and commercial spaces.

Hydronic radiant heating passes hot water through a system of tubes or pipes, either in the floor or ceiling. A boiler generates and maintains the hot water temperature.

Orange Coast Plumbing can install a state-of-the-art boiler in your home to power your hydronic radiant heating system. We’ll work with you to choose the best model based on climate, fuel availability, and your budget. Contact us today for more information!

Orange Coast Plumbing, Your Raypak Boiler Experts

Raypak, owned by Rheem, is the boiler brand we trust most for our customers.

Raypak boilers are exceptional in their efficiency, safety, and durability. We’ve worked with them often over the years and recommend them to all our customers. We’ll help you pick the right model for your business, home, pool, or spa.

Of course, if your heart’s set on another brand or if you’ve already ordered a boiler, we’ll install that for you instead.

All Orange Coast plumbers and heating and cooling technicians are licensed, certified, insured, and trained in the latest techniques and technologies.

All estimates are free.

Does your boiler need service, or are you curious about what a boiler can do for your home or business? We answer the phones 24-7.