Heating
Boiler Services
Radiators and in-floor heat give the most even warmth there is, when the boiler behind them is set up right. We service, repair and replace hot water boilers.
Hot water heating is quiet, even and comfortable, and a lot of older homes and newer custom builds still rely on it. Boilers also have their own set of problems: air in the lines, cold radiators, pressure that keeps climbing, leaking valves and pumps that hum but don't move water. Kelvin Heating & Cooling works on hot water boiler systems, from cast iron radiators to in-floor radiant loops.
Boiler work we do
- Repairs — circulator pumps, zone valves, pressure relief valves, expansion tanks, ignition and controls.
- Annual maintenance — combustion check, cleaning, safety testing, pressure and expansion tank checks, and bleeding air from the system.
- Replacement — high-efficiency condensing boilers sized to the actual heat loss, often much smaller than the original boiler.
- Combi boilers — one wall-hung unit that heats the house and supplies on-demand hot water, freeing up floor space.
- Radiant floors — mixing valves, zoning and controls for in-floor heating in basements, bathrooms and additions.
Signs your boiler needs attention
- Cold radiators or zones. Often trapped air, a stuck zone valve or a failing circulator.
- Pressure creeping up. A waterlogged expansion tank or a leaking fill valve, which can make the relief valve discharge.
- Banging or gurgling. Air in the system or scale in the boiler.
- Frequent short cycling. Common with oversized boilers and poorly set controls.
- Leaks or rust. Around fittings, valves or the boiler itself.
Why replacement boilers are often smaller
Many older boilers were sized generously for drafty houses with single-pane windows. After insulation and window upgrades, the house needs much less heat. A modern condensing boiler sized to today's heat loss, with outdoor reset control, runs longer and cooler cycles, which is exactly where it's most efficient. That's why we calculate the load rather than matching the old nameplate, and why we check the radiators and piping before choosing equipment. Good piping and controls matter as much as the boiler itself.
Thinking about adding cooling to a house with radiators? Ductless mini-splits are the usual answer. For hot water on its own, see our water heater services.
What affects the cost of boiler services
Boiler repair costs depend on the part and access: zone valves and pressure relief valves are modest, while circulators, expansion tanks and control boards cost more. Replacement depends on the boiler type, efficiency and whether it's a combi unit that also heats water. Converting to a high-efficiency boiler often means new venting and a condensate drain. Older systems may need near-boiler piping, air separators or new pumps. Radiant floor work adds mixing valves and zone controls.
Boiler Services questions
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year, ideally before the heating season. A yearly check catches pressure, expansion tank and combustion problems before they turn into a no-heat call.
Why are some radiators cold?
Trapped air is the most common reason, followed by stuck valves and circulator problems. Bleeding radiators helps, but repeated air usually points to another issue.
Can I switch from a boiler to a furnace?
It's possible but involves installing ductwork throughout the house. Most homeowners keep hot water heat and add ductless cooling instead.
Where we offer boiler services
We provide boiler services for homeowners in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Comfort you don't have to think about.
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