Boiler Repair & Installation in Tri-Cities & Metro Vancouver | Royal Pro Heating

Commonly Asked Boiler Repair Questions

The Best in Boiler Tune-Ups in the Lower Mainland, call us today!

Are you experiencing problems with your boiler? Here are some facts as to why this is happening:

We service all makes and models of boilers and carry a variety of steam boilers, gas boilers and water boilers from top name manufacturers such as Rheem, Super Hot, and Weil-McLain. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a boiler repair in Greater Vancouver, contact Royal Pro Heating today

Strange noises emanating from your boiler:
It occurs when accumulated lime-scale restricts water flow in the system. Consequently, the water overheats.
It boils, and then it steams leading to sounds usually produced by a kettle that has boiling water, i.e., whistling, gurgling, or banging.
Sometimes, pump failure results in banging sounds.

The Lack of hot water or heat:
Various issues lead to this problem, including airlocks and broken diaphragms.
Checking the valves for any signs of failure, measuring water levels
Inspecting the thermostat
Examining the pressure of the boiler are necessary steps in identifying the specific cause of this nuisance

Other Issues Includes:
Frozen condensate pipe
Leakage and igniter issues, among others

We can diagnose these problems and then solve them through a boiler or any heating and cooling systems. We serve Lower Mainland residents with the utmost dedication and care and our tune-ups and maintenance services are the best in the area. We also recommend annual tune-ups and maintenance services for all of your other needs.

Signs Your Boiler is in Need of Repairs or Replacement

Your boiler, just like any other type of machinery, needs to be regularly maintained to ensure that it's in proper working order. Some key signs to look out for that signal the need for repairs or a replacement include:

Age: With proper maintenance, boilers are expected to last at least 15 years or longer. Some boilers can last even up to 50 years or longer, but even with decent annual maintenance, there are other faults that can make a boiler breakdown.

Increase in Energy Usage: Be mindful of any increases in energy expenses. If a boiler requires constant servicing, the system has likely become less efficient. A noisy unit also may be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade.

Constant Maintenance: This is a clear sign that a boiler is in need of being replaced.

Discoloration: Yellow flames on gas burners and black soot on oil boilers indicate that the fuel is not burning properly and is creating carbon monoxide. It’s critical to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Leaks: A boiler that leaks or requires additional make-up water could be nearing the end of its lifecycle. By replacing the existing unit, homeowners or building managers/owners can avoid costly floods and critical boiler or property damage.

Common Boiler Issues We Fix

Boilers are complex systems. When they experience issues, it’s important you seek help from a technician who is an expert in both HVAC and plumbing. The good news is you don’t have to look that far—our team at Royal Pro Heating has what it takes to get your boiler issues solved right away. Whether you have a fire-tube, water-tube, or industrial-grade boilers, you can rely on our certified technicians to provide you with high-quality repair, maintenance, and installation services.

Some of the most common boiler problems we handle include:

No heat or hot water
Leaks
Banging, whistling, or gurgling noises
Unlit pilot light
Frozen condensate pipe
Faulty thermostat
Kettling or clogging in the heat exchanger
Cycling

If your boiler has reached the end of its lifespan, we can help with the replacement as well. Boilers today are more energy-efficient and you can rest easy knowing our team can install your new system with the utmost care and professionalism. In addition to boiler services in the Lower Mainland, we repair and replace other plumbing-based systems such as water heaters and radiant heat.

How to Determine Boiler Efficiency
Boiler efficiency is a critical component in selecting the right boiler for your home. Although boiler efficiency may seem like a personal choice, we recommend that homeowners give consideration to higher efficiency ratings for energy savings and home comfort.

AFUE Rating
Boiler efficiency is calculated by measuring the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which compares the amount of heat a boiler generates to the energy consumed by it. The AFUE rating communicates how efficient the unit performs in a year. Introduced in the 1980s, the EnerGuide tag, which is often affixed to the side of your unit, will list your boiler’s AFUE rating. If your unit doesn’t have an EnerGuide label, your equipment is likely old and needs to be replaced. Boiler efficiency depends on the type of boiler and fuel source but typically range from 80-88% for mid-efficiency boilers and 90-98% for high-efficiency boilers. There is no efficiency standard for Canada; however, we recommend that homeowners choose boilers with a minimum efficiency of 92%. For most people, boilers in and above 92% offer the best balance between monthly energy savings and upfront cost. Regardless of your AFUE rating, annual boiler maintenance by a licensed technician is the best way to ensure your boiler always operates at its peak efficiency.

How To Determine the Right Boiler for Your Home
Many factors help determine the best boiler for your home, including:
Heat distribution method
Available space
Size and age of home
Number of bathrooms
Hot water supply needs

We encourage you to consult an experienced HVAC consultant during your shopping process to ensure that each factor is considered. Here are a few of the topics the expert will cover with you.

Heat Distribution Method
When you decide to replace your boiler, your first consideration should be about what heat distribution infrastructure is in your home. Since your distribution system likely can’t be changed easily, it limits the options an HVAC consultant can provide. For example, installing an air handler to distribute heat requires ductwork. Without existing ductwork, the project would be extremely expensive and time consuming. Hot water circulation systems are the most common residential boiler applications in Canada. Popular examples of heat distribution systems are cast iron radiators, copper fin baseboard radiators, in-floor radiant heating, and air handlers.

Fuel Source
The fuel source supplied to your home can determine your options. The most common boiler fuel sources are natural gas, propane and electricity. In Canada, most homes use natural gas; however, it is crucial to understand how natural gas codes can affect your installation options. We recommend you ask your HVAC expert or natural gas provider about any restrictions.

Physical Space
For many homeowners, the deciding factor for choosing a new boiler comes down to physical space. Depending on the type of boiler, the unit can be floor standing or wall-mounted and many come in both configurations. A floor standing system may take up to 4x4ft of space. A wall-mounted combi unit which also provides hot water can help you save room in your home because there isn’t a need for a hot water tank.

Size
Rather than thinking about physical size, which varies among manufacturers and equipment styles, boilers are sized by BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. To determine the boiler's right size, an HVAC consultant will perform a heat loss and heat gain calculation. This calculation looks closely at the size of your home, insulation, and where heat escapes. These findings provide an estimate of the heat lost per hour for each room in your home. The wrong boiler size can negatively impact your unit’s efficiency and cost more to operate. Your ideal boiler will heat your entire home without wasting fuel. A great rule of thumb is that the bigger the house, the bigger the boiler and the higher the BTU output will be. After the heat loss analysis, your HVAC consultant can help guide you through the remaining options for boiler replacement.