Choose a combi boiler if you have a smaller home (under 2,000 sq. ft.) and rarely run two hot water fixtures simultaneously. Choose a system boiler with an indirect tank if you have a larger home, a soaker tub, or a busy family that showers at the same time. In Calgary, groundwater drops to near freezing in winter (approximately 3–4°C), making a stored tank the more reliable choice for high-demand households.

All major manufacturers — Viessmann, NTI, IBC — require annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid. In Calgary, annual servicing should include heat exchanger cleaning, condensate trap inspection, water pH testing for glycol systems (common in radiant floor setups), and a full combustion analysis. Skipping annual service is the single fastest way to void your warranty and shorten your boiler's lifespan.

Before calling for emergency service, check three things: (1) Go outside and inspect the white PVC exhaust vent for ice buildup — in extreme cold, steam freezes and blocks the exhaust; (2) Check the boiler pressure gauge, which should read 12–20 PSI; if it's near zero, use the filling loop to add water; (3) Check the condensate drain line for freezing, especially if it runs through a cold garage or outside. If the issue persists, call (403) 863-8246 for same-day emergency dispatch.

For Calgary's climate, we recommend IBC (Canadian-designed with excellent local support), Viessmann (premium stainless steel heat exchangers that resist hard water), and NTI (reliable mid-range units with readily available parts across Alberta). We generally advise against "budget" brands for primary heating in -30°C weather — the initial savings are often lost in the first emergency service call. The best brand for your home depends on your heating load, water demands, and budget, and we size every installation individually.

The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed to new applicants, but the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program remains available for low-to-median income households. Calgary homeowners can also access the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), which finances energy upgrades through property taxes at competitive interest rates with long repayment terms. Ask our team about current incentive options when we quote your project.

Yes. Calgary has hard water at approximately 11–15 grains per gallon. This causes scale buildup inside the heat exchanger, leading to "kettling" (banging noises), reduced efficiency, and premature failure. We install a scale inhibitor and magnetic dirt filter (such as Fernox or Adey MagnaClean) on the return line of every new installation. For existing systems, adding these components is one of the highest-ROI upgrades available to extend boiler lifespan significantly.