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 83 years of experience maintaining hydronic heating systems, Effective Air, Inc. has established itself as a trusted HVAC company in the Glenview area. In that time, we’ve developed a true understanding of boiler systems and how to properly maintain, replace, and repair them.

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:

1. The home’s thermostat tells your boiler it’s time to turn on
2. Your boiler’s heating element heats water in its tank
3. After the water reaches a specified temperature or turns into steam, the next stage begins
4. The boiler pushes the steam or water through your radiators or baseboard radiant elements
5. The water returns to the boiler to be reheated
6. The thermostat detects when your home reaches the desired temperature and shuts off the boiler

Your hydronic heating system represents a substantial investment and is a key part of comfortable living. Hiring a reputable HVAC expert to repair, install, or maintain it is the best thing you can do to protect your money and your home. But there are a lot of boiler experts in Northbrook and the surrounding areas. Which one do you choose? How can you tell which is worth the investment? Here are five things you should look for in a boiler contractor:

1. Current Insurance and Licensing: Illinois has its own requirements for HVAC contractors, and you need to hire someone who meets them. The easiest sign someone is authorized to work on your boiler in Glenview is a current license number. Check their website to see if it’s provided. If not, call and ask for the number. If they can’t provide it, go elsewhere.
2. Comprehensive Insurance: What happens if your contractor injures himself or herself while in your home? If they damage your property—by puncturing your boiler’s tank or causing a leak, what steps will they take to correct it? Verify they carry insurance and also have bonded technicians.
3. Glowing Reviews: Check out their online review profiles. What do former customers say about them? Has anyone you know in Glenview worked with them before? If so, ask if they’d recommend them. Also, look to see how they respond to any negative reviews, since occasional issues or misunderstandings happen with even the best contractors. If not handled professionally, you’d likely be better off going elsewhere.
4. Experience and Expertise: When it comes to boiler service in Glenview, expertise and experience should be at the top of your list of wants and needed. Ask how many years of experience they require their HVAC technicians to have. Make sure that the company has a proven history of providing customers with expert boiler repair and installation.
5. Warranties and Guarantees: Sometimes things go wrong with new hydronic systems. Or a repair doesn’t hold. In these circumstances, you want to ensure you have a company who’s got your back. When analyzing your choices, inquire about the guarantees and warranties they hold. At minimum, your satisfaction should be acknowledged.
6. Special Offers and Rebates: Different companies offer different deals. Visit their website and take a look at their special offers page. Also ask if they help submit you for Illinois’s rebates for efficiency when you install a new boiler. Rest easy in knowing that at Effective Air, Inc., we are always happy to help.

Effective Air, Inc. sets ourselves apart from other HVAC companies in Glenview and surrounding areas. 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 (847) 729-1820. 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 Glenview home, we’re just a phone call away. Effective Air, Inc. aims to provide an excellent experience at every job. Reach out to us today at (847) 729-1820 to schedule service.

How Often Does My Boiler Need Service?

We recommend having your boiler serviced once a year. This will maximize its efficiency and allow us to spot any potential red flags. These yearly boiler tune-ups will reduce your need for future hydronic system repairs in Glenview.

Can My Boiler Heat My Water, too?

Yes, with a modern high-efficiency boiler, you can tackle both your home’s domestic hot water needs and heating requirements, potentially leading to space and gas savings. An add-on to your existing system may need to be installed to accomplish this dual functionality.

What Do I Do if My Boiler Starts Leaking?

If you suspect your boiler may be leaking, do the following:

1. Determine the source of the leak
2. Turn off your water to prevent further damage
3. Call (847) 729-1820 to get the problem fixed

Will a New Boiler be Quieter?

This depends on a number of factors. Extremely old boilers are loud and are best replaced with newer models. But, if your furnace is less than 20 years old, you may notice an increase in noise after replacement. This is because the features that promote modern boiler efficiency cause a slight increase in noise.

Can I Use My Boiler to Cool my Home as Well?

While radiators can sometimes be used to cool a home, a boiler can’t provide the cold water necessary. Though water chillers can be added to your system, this often leads to issues. For that reason, we suggest people in Glenview install a ductless AC system in conjunction with a boiler to get the best of both worlds.

What Brands of Boiler Does Effective Air, Inc. Service?

Our radiant heating experts service all brands of residential boilers including Weil-McLain, Lochinvar, Utica, Buderus, Burnham, Slant/Fin, Peerless, and Triangle Tube in addition to those manufactured by major furnace manufacturers.

To What Temperature Should I Set My Boiler?

The average home sets their hydronic heating system at 180°F (82°C). But, during extreme weather, it can be raised as high as 210°F (99°C). If you use a combination boiler, that temperature range shifts from 140°F to 210°F (60°C to 99°C).