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Boilers are smarter than regular water heaters - they modulate their output based on what you're using them for. Whether you need a new installation, emergency repair, or annual maintenance, we're your Bay Area boiler specialists.
The easiest way to understand this is by comparing it to water heaters.
Here's the key difference: A boiler can modulate - meaning it can heat water at 10%, 20%, 30%, or whatever percentage it needs. If you're using it for underfloor heating, it might only heat the water by 10 degrees at a time. As the water comes back through, it heats it another 10 degrees. That modulation is what creates the efficiency.
Boilers are more compact than you'd think, more complex yes, and more expensive upfront. But they're a better long-term investment if you need what they do - which is precise, efficient heating for your home and hot water needs.
If your home has underfloor heating or wall radiators, you need a boiler. It's designed specifically for this type of hydronic heating system and provides the precise temperature control radiant systems require.
Bigger family? Added more bathrooms? Your needs have changed. If your current water heater can't keep up, a boiler system might be what you need now. We'll help you figure out if it makes sense.
Eichler homes in Lucas Valley and throughout Marin came with boiler systems in the '50s and '60s. If yours is failing or has failed, we specialize in replacing these systems properly.
Large house with multiple bathrooms? Need faster recovery than a standard water heater provides? A boiler with an indirect storage tank gives you much higher recovery rates.
Combination boilers do both underfloor heating and domestic hot water in one unit. Space-saving and perfect for smaller homes or if you want to free up space. The average California home (2,000-2,500 sq ft) works great with a combi boiler.
Best for: Single-family homes, ADUs, space-conscious installations
For bigger houses with multiple bathrooms or high hot water demand, you store the water in an indirect tank. The boiler heats it up with a very high recovery rate - much faster than a regular water heater. If you need over 5 gallons per minute, this is usually the way to go.
Best for: Large homes, multi-family units, high demand applications
If you just need hydronic heating and have a separate water heater for domestic hot water, we can set up a boiler specifically for that. Efficient, quiet, and keeps your floors warm.
Best for: Homes with existing water heaters, heating-focused installations
We measure your home, account for insulation, and size the system properly for your actual usage. High-efficiency models that are 95-97% efficient vs old boilers at 50-60%.
Boilers are like new cars - they have sensors that can shut them down if something's not right. On the plus side, they're safer. We know how to diagnose and fix them properly.
Manufacturers recommend annual service. New boilers have sensitive sensors that keep them running safely when properly maintained. Especially important in Marin where water is harder.
If you have an Eichler home in Lucas Valley or elsewhere in Marin, you probably have one of the original underfloor heating systems from the '50s or '60s. Those were installed with boilers that might be on their first or second failure by now.
Here's what we do differently: Before we put in a new boiler, we pressure test your pipes to make sure they're good for service. Those systems are 60+ years old - we might find pinhole leaks. We need to make sure your pipes are adequate and your system is clean before we install a new high-efficiency boiler.
A new boiler is like a new iPhone compared to an old tractor - it won't run properly in a dirty system. We flush everything, test it, and give that new boiler the best chance to last.
This is our specialty. We've been installing and servicing boilers in the Bay Area for over 20 years. We work with all the major brands and know these systems inside and out.
Before we put in a new boiler, we make sure your system is ready. If your lines are dirty or you have pressure issues, we address that first. Otherwise you'll just damage the new boiler.
We know SF building codes, Marin's hard water conditions, and the unique challenges of local homes. From Victorian flats to Eichler houses, we've worked on them all.
If your heat goes out in winter, that can't wait. We provide emergency boiler repair service because we understand heating failures are urgent.
It depends on the type (combi vs system), size, and complexity of your installation. We provide free estimates that include everything - equipment, labor, permits, and any necessary system updates. Call us for a quote specific to your situation.
Yes, absolutely. Talk to us. Like for like is always simplest, but if your needs have changed - you've expanded your home, your family's bigger, you're adding underfloor heating - then your mechanical room might need to change with it. We'll come out and tell you if it makes sense.
Modern boilers typically last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Old boilers from the '50s and '60s lasted longer but were much less efficient. Today's high-efficiency boilers have more sensors and require more care, but they're much safer and more efficient.
Manufacturers recommend it, especially in Marin County where water is harder. Annual maintenance extends equipment life, maintains efficiency, keeps warranty coverage valid, and catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. We'll help you decide what schedule makes sense for your system.
We install and service all major boiler brands including Navien, Lochinvar, NTI, Triangle Tube, Viessmann, IBC, and others. We'll recommend what works best for your specific situation, not just what we happen to have in stock.
A straightforward replacement usually takes 1-2 days. If we're switching from a different system type or making significant changes to your setup, it might take longer. We'll give you a clear timeline during the estimate.
Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, we'll help you figure out what makes sense for your home and budget.
Serving San Francisco & Marin County • Licensed & Insured • 20+ Years Experience