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Boiler replacement services upgrade outdated units to modern, efficient boilers that deliver reliable heat. Serving Chicago since 1992, we give you honest advice on when to repair vs replace - not just what makes us the most money.
Sometimes a repair is smarter than replacement. We compare equipment age, safety, repair scope, efficiency, warranty coverage, and expected service life before recommending either option.
We weigh the boiler's age, repair scope, safety, efficiency, warranty coverage, and expected remaining life. We then explain both options before you decide.
Example 1: REPLACE
Older boiler + major repair
Replacement may provide better long-term value
Example 2: REPAIR
Newer boiler + moderate repair
Repair may be the practical choice
Different boiler types for different Chicago homes. We'll help you choose the right one for your heating system and budget.
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Traditional cast iron construction. Best for Chicago steam systems and older homes. Proven reliability - these can last 30+ years.
Best for: Chicago bungalows with steam heat, budget-conscious homeowners
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High-efficiency units that extract more heat from exhaust gases. Significan't energy savings but require special venting and drainage.
Best for: Hot water systems, modern homes, high gas bills
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Combination units that provide both space heating and instant hot water. No separate water heater needed - saves space and money.
Best for: Small Chicago condos, apartments, homes under 2,000 sq ft
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Sealed systems with built-in components. Work with separate hot water storage tanks. Common in newer Chicago construction.
Best for: Larger Chicago homes (2,500+ sq ft), multiple bathrooms
Chicago has unique heating challenges that most contractors don't understand. Our city is split between steam and hot water systems, and many older homes have asbestos pipe wrap and undersized chimneys.
Many Chicago bungalows and pre-1950 buildings have steam heat. These require cast iron boilers and proper near-boiler piping. You can't just drop in a condensing boiler without major system modifications.
Your new boiler must match your existing radiators. Oversized boilers waste gas and short-cycle. Undersized boilers leave you cold on the coldest nights.
Many Chicago basements have asbestos-wrapped pipes. We can work around it, but if removal is needed, add $$–$$$ for a licensed abatement contractor.
All boiler replacements in Chicago require a permit and inspection. We handle all permitting - it's included in our quotes.
Most boiler replacements take 1-2 days. We handle everything from old boiler removal to final permit inspection.
Disconnect gas, electric, and water. Drain and remove old unit. Haul away included.
Connect supply and return lines. Build proper near-boiler piping header for steam systems.
Install chimney liner or PVC vent (condensing). Make sure there's proper draft and combustion air.
Wire thermostat, zone valves, circulator pumps. Install GFCI protection if required.
Fire up boiler, check for leaks, verify all zones heat. Combustion analysis for efficiency.
Schedule city inspection. Inspector verifies safe installation. You receive permit sign-off.
Most replacements are completed in 1 day for straightforward swaps. Steam systems or complex venting may take 2 days. We'll never leave you without heat overnight - we can usually get your old boiler running temporarily if needed.
This is where most contractors fail. They just install the same size as your old boiler - which was probably oversized to begin with.
We perform a Manual J heat loss calculation based on your home's insulation, windows, and square footage. This tells us the exact BTU input needed.
Example 2,000 sq ft bungalow:
Heat loss = 60,000 BTU/hr
Boiler size = 80,000 BTU input
(Not the 120,000 BTU your old oversized boiler had)
Steam sizing is based on EDR (Equivalent Direct Radiation) - the total square footage of all your radiators. We measure every radiator in your home.
Example calculation:
Total radiator EDR = 450 sq ft
× 240 BTU/sq ft = 108,000 BTU
Boiler = 120,000 BTU (add 10% piping loss)
Your old boiler was likely oversized by 50-100%. Contractors did this because it was "safe" and prevented callbacks. But oversized boilers waste gas, short-cycle (turn on/off rapidly), and wear out faster. We size boilers correctly using engineering calculations, not guesswork.
Here's what you're actually paying for. We believe in transparent pricing - no hidden fees.
Boiler unit, warranty registration
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Removal, installation, piping, testing
$$–$$$
City permit, inspection scheduling
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Old boiler haul-away, recycling fees
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Chimney liner or PVC vent, wiring upgrades
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For standard Chicago home replacement
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Cast iron boiler, standard efficiency, straightforward replacement
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High-efficiency condensing, complex venting, steam system rebuild
You can save hundreds to thousands on your boiler replacement with these programs. We help you apply for all available rebates.
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Available for boilers with 90%+ AFUE efficiency rating. The higher the efficiency, the larger the rebate.
30% up to $$
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit for high-efficiency boilers. This is a credit on your federal taxes, not a rebate.
Varies
If you upgrade from a standing pilot to electronic ignition, you may qualify for additional ComEd rebates. Most modern boilers have electronic ignition standard.
Installing a 95% AFUE condensing boiler for $$$:
Eligible equipment may qualify for current utility or federal incentives. We verify available programs when preparing the written estimate.
A properly installed and maintained boiler lasts 20-30 years. Cast iron boilers can last 30+ years, while modern condensing boilers typically last 20-25 years. Annual maintenance and proper water treatment are key to longevity.
Boiler replacement in Chicago costs $$$. Cast iron boilers are $$$ condensing boilers are $$$. This includes equipment, labor, permit, disposal, and any necessary venting or electrical modifications. We provide upfront quotes with no hidden fees.
For Chicago steam systems: Weil-McLain or Peerless cast iron. For hot water systems: Lochinvar or Navien for high-efficiency, Burnham for budget-friendly. We're not locked into one brand - we recommend what's best for your specific system, not what earns us the biggest commission.
We're setting up financing options soon. For now, check with your credit union or bank for current rates. Eligible equipment may qualify for current utility or federal incentives, which we verify when preparing the estimate.
We'll tell you if your boiler needs replacement or if a repair makes more sense. No pressure, no commission-driven sales tactics - just honest advice from technicians who've been doing this since 1992.