Boiler Repair, Replacement
Boilers are the heart of many homes in Otego, Oneonta, and throughout rural Otsego County — especially older farmhouses that rely on hydronic heating instead of standard forced-air systems. At PhD Home Services, we specialize in boiler repair, boiler replacement, and full heating system upgrades that keep your home warm, efficient, and safe during long Upstate NY winters. Whether your boiler is leaking, failing to heat properly, short-cycling, or showing its age, we deliver expert diagnostics and reliable solutions that restore dependable comfort.
A boiler issue is more than a comfort problem — it’s a plumbing issue, too. A leaking boiler can lead to pipe repair concerns, low pressure in your hydronic loop, or even frozen pipes during extreme cold. We evaluate everything from the circulator pumps and air vents to the expansion tank, pressure relief valve, and thermostat controls to determine exactly what needs attention. Many boiler failures also reveal underlying plumbing repairs that should be corrected to protect your entire system.
Older homes throughout Upstate NY commonly rely on boilers that are 20–40 years old. These systems often use outdated pumps, air-bound radiators, clogged heat exchangers, and rusted iron piping that restricts flow. When a boiler can no longer maintain temperature, replacement becomes the smarter long-term option. We install modern, high-efficiency boilers that heat your home more evenly while reducing fuel usage. For homeowners currently relying on furnaces, we can also discuss whether transitioning to a hydronic system is beneficial, or whether staying with forced air and upgrading to a heat pump or mini-split makes more sense.
Uneven heating — such as cold bedrooms, weak baseboards, or slow-warming zones — often indicates a circulation problem rather than a boiler failure. Air trapped in the lines, failing zone valves, or deteriorating piping behind walls can all reduce heat output. We repair or replace the necessary components to restore full flow and consistent heat. For radiant floor systems, we correct mixing valve issues, balance manifolds, and replace sections of radiant tubing if needed.
Boiler leaks are a critical warning sign. Water near the boiler, dripping relief valves, or corroded fittings often signal failing components or degraded piping. Small leaks can become major emergencies if they cause the system to lose pressure, especially during freezing weather. We respond quickly to repair leaks and stabilize your heating system. If the leak comes from a damaged supply or return line, that repair is handled as part of our plumbing services, keeping everything under one roof.
When planning renovations, additions, or barn conversions, it’s important to evaluate whether your existing boiler can support the expanded space. Adding bathrooms, heated living areas, or new hydronic zones requires careful load calculations. When the system can’t keep up, we provide options for boiler replacement, circulation upgrades, or hybrid heating solutions using furnaces, heat pumps, or mini-splits for supplemental heating.
Boiler replacement becomes the best choice when the system is outdated, inefficient, or repeatedly failing. We install high-efficiency models that deliver stable, reliable heat during even the coldest periods. Proper boiler sizing, venting, zone control, and piping design ensure smooth operation and reduced long-term costs. Whether your home uses baseboards, radiators, radiant floors, or a blended layout, we customize the installation to match your heating demands.
Annual boiler maintenance is essential for preventing emergency breakdowns and protecting your home from frozen pipes and unnecessary repairs. Routine service includes flushing system water if needed, checking combustion efficiency, inspecting circulators, testing safety controls, and verifying proper system pressure. Regular maintenance reduces energy usage, improves safety, and extends the life of your equipment.