Boiler Service
Boiler Service in Chicago
Providing Boiler Repair and Replacement Services in Chicago Since 2008
With a functioning boiler, it’s easy staying warm in Illinois’s winter months. But when your boiler acts up, a few blankets and a pair of slippers might not be enough to ward off the cold. With over 17 years of experience maintaining hydronic heating systems, Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. has established itself as a trusted HVAC company in the Chicago area. In that time, we’ve developed a true understanding of boiler systems and how to properly maintain, replace, and repair them.
How Do Boilers Work?
It can help to think of boilers as a unique type of water heater. While conventional heating systems disperse heat using air, boilers use hot water and pipes. While this heated liquid flows through your home, it distributes heat through your radiators and other linked devices. Now cooled, the water returns to the boiler’s tank to be reheated and start the cycle over. You may also hear this subset of HVAC systems referred to as water-based or hydronic. In most homes, natural gas is used to power the boiler’s heating elements. A simple step-by-step list of boiler operations is below:
- The home's thermostat tells your boiler it's time to turn on
- Your boiler's heating element heats water in its tank
- After the water reaches a specified temperature or turns into steam, the next stage begins
- The boiler pushes the steam or water through your radiators or baseboard radiant elements
- The water returns to the boiler to be reheated
- The thermostat detects when your home reaches the desired temperature and shuts off the boiler
What to Look for in a Boiler Contractor
Your heating system is a major part of your home and one of the most expensive components to replace. That’s why it’s vital that you hire the right HVAC contractor to manage your boiler’s repair or replacement. Here in Chicago, there are plenty of companies that offer boiler services. How do you choose the one that’s right for you? Here are six things to keep an eye out for:
- Current Insurance and Licensing: Make sure the HVAC company you hire is authorized to provide heating service in Illinois. Before signing anything, ask to see copies of their current certifications and licenses. You’ll also want to ask about the kind of bonding and insurance they carry. These things will protect you from any damage caused by the contractor or any accidents their employees suffer while working in your home.
- Referrals and Reviews: Before selecting an HVAC contractor in Chicago, check out their online reputation. In addition to Google, check other platforms such as Facebook and Yelp. Taken together, these things should provide a decent overview of what to expect while working with this company.
- Expertise and Experience: You want a company with ample boiler experience. This will allow them to quickly pinpoint the issue and give advice you can only get from a true professional. Ask how the company ensures its technicians stay up-to-date on industry changes. Also confirm how much experience their boiler installation experts are required to have.
- Warranties and Guarantees: What happens if you’re unhappy with the work performed? Will the contractor back your newly-installed or replaced boiler with any kind of warranty? Not doing these things is a common cost-cutting measure in other companies. Rest assured, when you buy from Safe Heating & Cooling, that your satisfaction is guaranteed.
- Special Offers and Rebates: Buying a new boiler isn’t cheap, but many manufacturers offer discounts that your HVAC contractor can pass on to you. Before scheduling a quote for boiler replacement, you can check the national DSIRE database to find tax credits and other local programs in your area that may help you save. A good HVAC company, like ours, will help you file any required paperwork.
Our Full Selection of Boiler Services
Boiler Repair
Boilers usually need fewer repairs than other heating systems, but they still need the occasional visit from an HVAC contractor. If you suspect your boiler needs a fix in Chicago, call us at (312) 858-0358 to get yourself scheduled.
Fix My BoilerBoiler Installation
Looking for an efficient way to heat your home that greatly reduces the circulation of dust? Consider installing a boiler in your new home and pairing it with a separate air conditioner. To learn more about the advantages of hydronic heating in Chicago, reach out to us by phone or form.
Install a BoilerBoiler Replacement
One of the greatest advantages of boiler replacement is how long they last. It’s not uncommon to see a boiler pushing 30 or 40 years old. But eventually, you’ll need a new boiler. For a free quote on boiler replacement in Chicago, call (312) 858-0358.
Be More EfficientBoiler Maintenance
To enjoy the benefits of boiler lifespan, you need to keep your system maintained. Reach out to us once a year to get signed up for our annual boiler maintenance program. We suggest having them out once a year to inspect, clean, and drain your boiler. Reach out to us to schedule service in Lincolnwood or Hyde Park.
Elongate Boiler LifeCall Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. for Professional Boiler Service in Hyde Park and Chicago
Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. sets ourselves apart from other HVAC companies in Cook County. When it comes to providing boiler service, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and putting your needs above all else. We’re so confident you’ll want to use us again, that we back everything we do with a satisfaction guarantee. So, if there is ever a problem with how we handled your boiler installation or repair, just reach out to us at (312) 858-0358. We’ll make things right.
The next time you're in need of hydronic system service, you need a team you can trust. Fortunately, if you call Chicago home, we're just a phone call away. Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. aims to provide an excellent experience at every job. Reach out to us today at (312) 858-0358 to schedule service.
Boiler FAQs
How Often Does My Boiler Need Service?
We recommend having your boiler serviced on a yearly basis. This will ensure it operates at maximum efficiency through the cold times and into milder weather. By getting it regularly serviced, you can help yourself to avoid future boiler repairs. You can learn more about the benefits of HVAC maintenance in Chicago and Hyde Park by reaching out to us by phone or through our website.
Can My Boiler Heat My Water, Too?
While this is an option, it’s not something any boiler can do. You’ll either pay extra for a combi boiler or add an indirect-fired water heater to your existing system. Doing so gives you many of the same benefits as a tankless water heater. That means limitless hot water, more usable space, and fewer systems to maintain. For more information on installing a combi in Chicago, talk to our technician during your Chicago boiler repair or replacement.
What Do I Do if My Boiler Starts Leaking?
If your boiler is leaking, don’t panic. You can limit the damage by taking the following steps:
- Turn off the boiler’s power and shut the main water valve to prevent further damage
- Mop or lay down towels to soak up the water
- Try to find the source of the leak. Typically, it comes from the boiler tank, discharge tube, or drain valve
- Call Safe Heating & Cooling to schedule a boiler technician for repair
Will a New Boiler be Quieter?
This depends on numerous factors. Very old boilers are typically very loud. While those made in the last 15 to 20 years, tend to be quieter than even the newest ones. This is because internal components in new systems, used to enhance efficiency, produce low levels of noise during use. Even if this additional sound is annoying, your new system’s lower operation cost will more than make up for it.
What Brands of Boiler Does Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. Service?
Our radiant heating experts service all brands of residential boilers. These brands include Lennox, Bosch, Weil-McLain, Lochinvar, Hydro-Therm, Crown, Navien, AO Smith, Buderus, Peerless, Westinghouse, and Triangle Tube.
What’s the Difference Between a Furnace and Boiler?
There are a number of differences between furnaces and boilers. Which one is right for your home in Chicago depends on your home’s size and existing features:
Can You Zone a Boiler in Chicago?
First, we’ll briefly explain what zoning is...
How Do Boilers Work?
Turning cold water into a source of home heating is a six-step process:
Can Boilers Help with Humidification Issues?
A properly installed boiler is a closed system...
Will My Radiator Burn Me if I Touch it?
While this depends on the temperature your home is set at...
How Much Water Do Boilers Waste?
As mentioned above, modern boilers are closed systems that don’t waste much water...
Can I Change My Boiler’s Fuel Source?
While changing fuel sources is possible...
What’s the Difference Between a Boiler and a Water Heater?
They both have tanks...
How Do I Know I Have a Boiler?
Go to where your home’s heating system is and look up...
Can Boilers Use Cool Water to Cool My Home?
They can not...
What’s a Condensing Boiler?
When considering a new boiler, you'll likely run into the word ‘condensing.’...
What Are the Major Parts of a Boiler?
A standard boiler in Chicago is comprised of 11 different pieces...