Best Boiler Brands & Products

If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient alternative for heating your home, a high efficiency boiler could be a great option.

Reliable boilers heat your home by circulating a heated mixture of glycol and water, which is radiated throughout your house.

Modern ENERGY STAR-certified boilers can have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of over 90%, meaning almost all of the energy put in comes out as heat.

If you don’t know much about boiler systems, deciding to have one installed can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of options.

Our boiler replacement experts will go over some of the best boiler brands and products in Canada, explain how they work, and help you narrow your choices to the best fits for your Ontario home.

Most Reliable Boiler Brands

There are three boiler manufacturers we specifically recommend for their efficiency and reliability.

1. Navien

Navien residential boilers are designed to save space and energy. They’re known across the industry for cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly solutions.

Navien boilers have both higher heating capacity and expandable cascading technology (more than one boiler working together).

This boiler brand also comes with an easy-to-use monitoring and control app, letting you set your home’s temperature to run on a schedule from your phone.

2. NTI

New York Thermal Inc. (NTI) is another popular brand of boilers we recommend. NTI’s boilers are built for durability and energy efficiency.

Their TFTN line of condensing boilers is especially known for delivering consistent heating while keeping energy bills low.

They also come with remote monitoring and diagnostics and are easy to set up. NTI’s boilers are a great choice if you’re looking for a balance between performance and cost.

3. IBC Technologies Inc.

IBC Technologies Inc. is a leader in the Canadian boiler industry. All of their boilers are Canadian-designed and made. They’re built and tested to perform well in very cold climates.

If you live in Eastern Ontario, an IBC boiler system is a great choice. They’re compact, with modern technology and very high energy efficiency.

Like the others, they can be controlled from your phone. Navien boilers are also known for being easy to install.

Best Boilers in Canada

Let’s look at some boiler models that stand out.

Best High-Efficiency Boilers

NHB-H Series by Navien

The NHB-H Series from Navien is one of the most efficient boilers on the market.

With up to 95% AFUE, these boilers are great for the environment and will save you money. The NHB-H Series is also very compact, making it perfect for homes without a lot of space.

We recommend this model to anyone looking for a more efficient home heating system.

Best Boilers for Affordability

NCB Series by Navien

Navien’s NCB Series is known for providing great quality at a more affordable price.

These models are combi boiler systems that produce hot water while also heating your home (saving you money on water heating).

We recommend the NCB series to homeowners looking for a budget-friendly heating system that still has high efficiency.

Its user-friendly interface and compact size (and optional remote control system) make it a popular choice.

Should I Replace My Boiler?

If your current boiler system isn’t working as well as it used to, it might be time to replace it. Consider these before deciding between fixing and upgrading to a new one.

• Age: If your boiler is over 15 years old, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Rising Energy Bills: Are you spending more money each month on utility bills? An older boiler will use more energy, meaning higher heating costs. A new, efficient one will save you money in the long run.
• Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling for repairs to get your heat back on more than once a year, it’s time to upgrade.
• Inconsistent Heating: Cold spots in your home could mean your boiler system isn’t distributing heat evenly.

How Does a Boiler Work?

A boiler heating system heats up a glycol-water mixture and circulates that heated liquid throughout your home. It warms your rooms through radiators, baseboard heaters, or in-floor radiant heating.

Unlike furnaces that blow hot air, conventional boilers provide more consistent, even, and efficient heat, making them a great choice for homes in rural, colder areas like Eastern Ontario.

Types of Boilers

There are several types of boiler systems, and each type has benefits.

• Gas Boilers: These conventional boilers are the most common in Canada, using natural gas to heat water. They’re typically more affordable to operate than electric models but need access to a gas line.
• Electric Boilers: Electric boilers are a great option for homes without a gas line. They’re quieter and more environmentally friendly but can be more expensive to operate with electricity, which has cost more in recent years.
• Oil Boilers: While less common, oil boilers are still found in rural areas. These use heated oil to create warmth, making them suitable for homes without gas access but requiring regular oil deliveries. We do not service oil boilers but are happy to remove and replace any oil systems.
• Combi Boilers: Short for combination boilers, a combi boiler heats hot water for domestic potable and a glycol mix for heating your home. A combi boiler system doesn’t require a separate water tank for hot water. They’re usually powered by gas, although electric ones are available.

Are Boilers Energy Efficient?

Modern boilers are much more energy-efficient than older systems. A boiler’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures how efficiently the boiler converts fuel into heat.

High-efficiency boiler systems typically have AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, meaning they convert 90% of the fuel they consume into heat.

Some of the more efficient boilers have ratings as high as 95% or even 99%, meaning almost zero energy waste.

What Boiler Size Do I Need?

You’ll want to choose the right size boiler for your home. A boiler that’s too small won’t keep your home warm enough.

Although, most boilers that are too large won’t be an issue as modern boilers come with outdoor temperature reset and will adjust the water temperature based on outdoor temperature. Over sizing is a concern for a single-stage burner that does not have a reset feature.

Here are a few factors to think about.

• Home Size: Larger homes require either a more powerful boiler, or more than one working together.
• Insulation: Well-insulated homes might be able to get away with a smaller boiler.
• Climate: If you live in Eastern Ontario, you might need a larger boiler than someone in milder regions.

A professional assessment from a boiler installations expert can help you find the exact best fit for your home’s heating needs.

Do I Need Boiler Maintenance?

Regular maintenance will keep your boiler heating system running smoothly and efficiently.

A certified technician will find and fix any issues before they become bigger problems. Maintenance will also help your boiler last much longer.

An annual inspection by a professional will:

• Check for leaks and corrosion
• Clean heat exchangers and internal burner sections
• Inspect valves and controls
• Test safety systems

Skipping maintenance saves money now but will cost more in the long run and potentially several days of no heat waiting on repairs and replacement parts.

Work With Atel Air – Your Boiler Experts

Having a new boiler installed is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone.

At Atel Air, we’ve been serving homeowners in Southern Ontario’s rural communities since 1949, helping them find the perfect heating solutions.

Our certified and licensed technicians understand the unique heating needs of rural homes and can offer personalized recommendations based on years of experience.

If you’re thinking about an energy-efficient heating system for your home, we can help you find the perfect fit.

Request a free online quote today and learn more about our reliable boilers.