We repair, service, and replace hot water and steam boilers for homeowners in Norwell and across the South Shore. That includes the common problems: a boiler that will not fire, radiators that stay cold, a system that makes banging noises, and leaks around the unit. We also help homeowners decide when an old boiler has earned retirement.
Call or text (781) 353-8852. We are family owned, A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, and have been in business for 50 years.
Boiler problems we see most often
No heat or no hot water
The boiler may be locked out, the circulator may have failed, or there may be a problem with the controls or the fuel supply.
Radiators cold at the top
Air trapped in the system. Bleeding the radiators or finding why air keeps entering usually solves it.
Banging, gurgling, or clanking
Noise can mean air in the lines, low water, mineral buildup, or a pump problem. Banging in a steam system often points to water that is not draining back properly.
Water pooling around the boiler
Leaks from the relief valve, fittings, or the boiler itself need prompt attention. A leaking cast iron section can be a sign the end is near.
Pressure gauge out of range
Pressure that is too high or too low means a fault in the expansion tank, fill valve, or relief valve.
Frequent restarts
A boiler that cycles constantly may be oversized, may have a failing control, or may be dealing with a thermostat problem.
Soot or a yellow flame
Combustion problems on any boiler call for a technician right away.
A boiler older than 20 years
Cast iron boilers can last a long time, but efficiency and parts availability fall off.
Hot water and steam are not the same
Most homes on the South Shore with boilers have one of two systems, and they behave very differently. Knowing which you have makes every service call easier.
| Feature | Hot water (hydronic) | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Heated water circulates by pump through baseboard or radiators and returns to the boiler | Water is boiled into steam that rises to radiators, then condenses and drains back |
| Typical signs | Pump hum, zone valves, baseboard along walls | One or two pipes to each radiator, an air vent on the side of each, a sight glass on the boiler |
| Common issues | Air in lines, failed circulator, expansion tank problems | Low water cutoff faults, clogged air vents, water hammer |
| Maintenance focus | Annual combustion cleaning, pressure and expansion tank checks | Flushing, water level controls, venting, skimming where needed |
We also work with boilers that serve more than space heating. If yours also makes domestic hot water through an indirect tank, we look at the whole arrangement during a service visit.
How a boiler repair visit works
- 1Understand the symptomWe ask which rooms are cold, what you hear, and whether anything changed recently.
- 2Check the basicsFuel, power, water pressure, thermostats and zone valves come first, because they cause a surprising share of calls.
- 3Inspect the boilerWe examine the burner, controls, venting, circulators or steam components, and look for leaks and corrosion.
- 4Explain and quoteYou get a clear explanation, a price, and an honest view on whether the repair makes sense for this boiler.
- 5Repair and testWe complete the repair, test combustion, and cycle the system to confirm every zone is heating.
When to replace a boiler
A well-kept cast iron boiler can last decades, which is why people are reluctant to replace one. The questions we ask are practical. Is it leaking from the boiler body? Are parts getting scarce? Is it burning far more fuel than a modern unit would? Is it safe? If you answer yes to a couple of these, a replacement is worth pricing. Our guide to seven signs it is time to replace a furnace or boiler goes deeper.
Modern boilers come as gas or oil fired, standard or condensing. High efficiency condensing boilers can run at lower water temperatures and work best with well-matched radiation, so the piping and emitters matter as much as the boiler. We look at the existing system and recommend what will actually perform.
- Right sizing. An oversized boiler cycles constantly and wastes fuel. We calculate the load of your house.
- Piping and controls. Updated controls, zone valves, and circulators can improve comfort as much as the boiler itself.
- Venting and chimney. High efficiency boilers vent differently than older ones, and an old chimney may need a liner or may not be used at all.
- Fuel. Gas, oil, or propane, we help you weigh what is available at your address.
- Cooling. A boiler heats only. If you want cooling too, we can talk about ductless mini-splits or a ducted option. See heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.
Why choose Home Heating and Cooling
Boiler work rewards experience. Steam systems in particular have habits that are hard to learn from a manual, and fifty years of South Shore basements have taught us most of them. We work on equipment that has been in service for decades and on brand new installs, and we treat both with the same care.
We are a family owned company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We give you a straight diagnosis, a clear price, and a plan. And because we answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a cold radiator on a January night does not have to wait until morning.
- A+ rated
- Better Business Bureau
- 50 years
- in business
- Family owned
- and operated
- Open 24 hours
- 7 days a week
Where we provide boiler repair and installation
We serve homeowners across Plymouth County from our office in Norwell. These are some of the towns we visit most often. Every town page explains what is different about heating and cooling there.
- Rockland, MA
- Norwell, MA
- Hanover, MA
- Abington, MA
- Hingham, MA
- Whitman, MA
- Hanson, MA
- Pembroke, MA
- Scituate, MA
- Brockton, MA
- Hull, MA
- Marshfield, MA
Boiler Repair and Installation: common questions
Why are my radiators hot at the bottom and cold at the top?
Air is trapped in the radiator. Bleeding it often fixes the problem. If it keeps coming back, there may be a leak, a failing expansion tank, or an air elimination problem that a technician should find.
Do you work on both steam and hot water boilers?
Yes. They behave differently, and we service both. Tell us which you have, or describe your radiators and we will help you identify it.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year, ideally before the heating season. A tune-up includes combustion testing, cleaning, and safety control checks, and it is the best protection against a mid-winter breakdown.
My boiler is leaking. Is it an emergency?
A small drip from a valve can often wait for a scheduled visit. A steady leak from the boiler body or any leak combined with no heat should be seen right away. Shut off the water feed if you can do so safely and call us.
Can I add air conditioning to a house with a boiler?
Yes. Common options are ductless mini-splits, which need no ducts, or a small ducted system if the house has space for it. We will help you choose.
Is a new boiler more efficient than my old one?
Usually, yes. Modern boilers can use less fuel for the same heat, and condensing models do better still when paired with the right radiation. The savings depend on how old your current boiler is and how you use it.
