Upgrade to steady, efficient heat with a properly sized, professionally installed hydronic boiler. This guide covers sizing and design, boiler types (condensing, combi, cast iron), venting and piping best practices, comfort options, rebates/financing, and what to expect on installation day—tailored for homes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Quick Highlights
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Room-by-room heat-loss calculation and radiation survey (baseboard/radiators/radiant)
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High-efficiency modulating condensing (mod-con) boilers with outdoor reset
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Options: combi (space heat + DHW), boiler + indirect tank, or cast-iron replacement
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Proper hydronic design: primary–secondary or low-loss header, ECM circulators, air/dirt/mag separators
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Code-compliant venting & combustion air, condensate neutralizer where required
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Rebates & financing assistance—paperwork handled for you
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Licensed gas-fitters & hydronic specialists; workmanship warranty and 24/7 support
Which Boiler Is Right for You?
Modulating Condensing (Wall-Hung or Floor)
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Best for: Maximum efficiency and quiet comfort
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How it works: Adjusts firing rate to match demand; condenses at lower return temps for extra efficiency
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Pairs well with: Radiant floors, panel rads, fan coils, properly sized baseboard
Combi Boiler (Space Heat + On-Demand Hot Water)
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Best for: Space-saving upgrades without a separate tank
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Consider: DHW flow depends on unit size and winter inlet temps; great for small–medium homes
Heat-Only Boiler + Indirect Water Heater
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Best for: Larger families or high DHW needs with premium efficiency and recovery
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Benefits: Long tank life, rapid reheats, DHW priority control
Cast-Iron (Atmospheric/Power-Vent) Replacement
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Best for: Simple, rugged replacements where low-temp distribution isn’t feasible
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Note: Lower efficiency vs. mod-con but compatible with high-temp radiators/baseboard
Fuels: Natural gas or propane. (Electric boilers available for special cases.)

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Heat-loss first: We calculate room-by-room BTU needs and confirm existing emitter output.
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Design water temps: Matching supply temps to your emitters (e.g., 120–150°F / 49–66°C for radiant, 140–180°F / 60–82°C for baseboard) protects comfort and efficiency.
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Hydraulic separation: Primary–secondary piping or a low-loss header prevents pump conflicts and short-cycling.
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Pumping strategy: Right-sized ECM circulators, proper ΔT (typically ~20°F / 11°C), balancing valves, and air elimination.
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Zoning: By valves or circulators, plus smart TRVs for radiators if desired.
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Water quality: Air/dirt/magnetic separation, inhibitor when appropriate, and glycol (if required) for protected loops.
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Direct-vent PVC/PP or concentric venting for mod-cons; chimney liner or power venting for non-condensing.
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Correct intake/exhaust clearances, sealed penetrations, and combustion air per code.
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Condensate neutralizer and drain with proper slope; CO and relief-valve safety checks.
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In-Home Assessment & Options
Heat-loss, emitter survey, piping review, gas/electrical, vent path, space/layout, and DHW usage profiling. -
Design & Permits
Piping schematic (primary–secondary or header), zone layout, pump sizing, controls strategy, and required permits. -
Professional Installation
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Boiler, venting, gas train, condensate neutralizer
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Low-loss header or closely spaced tees; air/dirt/mag separators
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ECM circulators, valves, expansion tank, backflow, mixing (for radiant)
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DHW: combi setup or indirect tank with priority control
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Commissioning
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Combustion analysis, gas pressure, CO/CO₂, and draft verification
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System purge, pressure test, expansion-tank pre-charge, relief-valve test
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Outdoor reset tuning, thermostat/zone control verification, and homeowner training
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Registration, Rebates & Warranty
We register equipment, complete rebate applications, and provide a full documentation pack.
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Outdoor reset (standard on mod-cons) for smoother temperatures and savings
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Smart controls and zone panels; smart TRVs for radiators
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Indirect water heater, recirculation (timer/demand) for faster DHW
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Radiant floor mixing stations and manifolds for perfect low-temp comfort
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Good: Cast-iron replacement, new ECM circulator, upgraded vent/liner, basic outdoor reset (if supported)
For: Durable, straightforward upgrades on high-temp systems -
Better: Mod-con heat-only + indirect tank, low-loss header, ECM pumps, air/dirt/mag separation, outdoor reset
For: Top comfort and DHW performance with strong efficiency -
Best: Premium mod-con (10:1 turndown) + indirect, smart zoning/TRVs, web-enabled control, hydraulic separator, full water-quality package
For: Maximum efficiency, quietest operation, and best DHW recovery
(Model availability varies; we present multiple options at your quote.)
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Area protection and removal of old equipment
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Boiler mounting/placement, venting, gas/electrical, and drains
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Piping build-out (header/primary–secondary), zoning, pumps/valves
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System fill, purge, and pressure/combustion tuning
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Owner walkthrough, maintenance schedule, and documents delivered
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Annual tune-up with combustion analysis and safety checks
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Inspect air/dirt/mag separators, clean strainers, test relief valves
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Verify expansion tank pressure and outdoor reset curves each season
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Add our Boiler Protection Plan for tune-ups, priority service, repair discounts, and safety checks (combustion, CO/venting, relief/expansion, low-water cutoff).
Mod-con vs. cast-iron—what’s the difference?
Mod-cons modulate and condense at low return temps for higher efficiency and steadier comfort. Cast-iron is rugged and simple but typically runs hotter and uses more fuel.
Is a combi right for my family?
Great for space savings and moderate DHW demand. For multiple simultaneous showers or large tubs, a boiler + indirect tank is usually better.
Will my old radiators work with a mod-con?
Yes—often even better. We may lower water temps to boost condensing efficiency and add TRVs for room-by-room control.
Do I need new piping?
Not always. We reuse sound piping and add a low-loss header/primary–secondary and modern pumps/valves as needed.
How long does installation take?
Most replacements are completed in one to two days depending on piping complexity and DHW options.
What maintenance is required?
Annual service: combustion analysis, cleaning, water-side checks, separator/strainer service, and control verification.
Keep it running like new
Add our Boiler Protection Plan for annual tune-ups, priority service, repair discounts, and safety checks—including combustion analysis, CO/venting review, pressure relief valve & expansion tank inspection, and low-water cutoff verification. Preventive maintenance extends boiler life, improves efficiency, and keeps your home heating reliable.
Ready for quieter, more efficient heat? Book your free in-home quote today.
- Phone: (905) 895-7787
- Email Us: Send Email
- Service Area: Greater Toronto Area
At Coffee Heating and Air Conditioning, we proudly offer a full spectrum of residential and commercial HVAC services across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. From expert installation of high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and water heaters to precision repairs, emergency service calls, and routine system maintenance, our certified technicians ensure year-round comfort and safety for every client. We also specialize in air quality improvements, duct cleaning, smart thermostat integration, and energy-saving upgrades tailored to your home or business. Whether you’re building new, upgrading, or need fast repairs, our team delivers responsive, reliable solutions backed by industry expertise and a commitment to excellence.