Boilers are more advanced than standard water heaters. They adjust their power output to match your exact heating needs. Whether you need a new installation, emergency repair, or annual maintenance, we are your Bay Area boiler specialists.
The easiest way to understand boilers is by comparing them to water heaters. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on <a href='/blog/boiler-vs-water-heater/' class='text-[#00AEEF] hover:underline'>Boiler vs. Water Heater</a>.
A boiler can modulate, meaning it runs at 10%, 50%, or 100% power depending on demand. If you are heating your floors, it might only need to warm the water slightly. This precise control saves energy and keeps your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. Boilers are compact but complex. While they cost more upfront than standard water heaters, they are a better long-term investment for homes that need efficient heating and limitless hot water.
Combination boilers handle both underfloor heating and domestic hot water in one compact unit. Space-saving and perfect for smaller homes or freeing up utility room space. The average California home (2,000-2,500 sq ft) works great with a combi boiler.
Best for: Single-family homes, ADUs, and compact utility rooms
For bigger houses with multiple bathrooms or high hot water demand, a system boiler stores water in an indirect tank. The boiler heats it 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, and high-demand applications
If you just need hydronic heating and already have a separate water heater for domestic hot water, a heating-only boiler is efficient, quiet, and keeps your radiant floors warm without affecting your existing hot water setup.
Best for: Homes with existing water heaters that need dedicated heating
Many Eichler homes in Marin still use their original underfloor heating systems from the 1950s and 1960s. These systems were connected to boilers that are now reaching the end of their lifespan. Our process is different: We don't just install a new boiler. We pressure test your 60-year-old pipes first to check for leaks. We clean and flush the entire system to ensure it is safe for new equipment. New high-efficiency boilers are like high-performance cars — they need a clean system to run properly. Read more about why you can't just slap a new boiler into an Eichler home.
We measure your home, account for insulation, and size the system properly for your actual usage. High-efficiency models run at 95-97% vs old boilers at 50-60%.
Boilers are like new cars — they have sensors that shut them down if something is wrong. On the plus side, they are safer. We know how to diagnose and fix them properly. Note: If you own a Triangle Tube boiler, please see our Triangle Tube Safety Alert.
Manufacturers recommend annual service. New boilers have sensitive sensors that need care—dirty sensors are the leading cause of boiler error codes. Especially important in Marin where water is harder.
We work with all major boiler brands and recommend what works best for your home.
Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, we will help you find the right solution for your home and budget.
Serving San Francisco & Marin County • Licensed & Insured • 20+ Years Experience
