Boiler Repair & Installation in Batavia, IL | State Automatic

For many homes in Batavia’s Historic West Side, heat doesn’t come from a vent—it radiates from the soul of the house. Steam and hot water boiler systems provide a quality of comfort that forced-air furnaces simply cannot match. It is a gentle, consistent warmth that clings to the floor and wraps around you. But these vintage systems are complex beasts. They require a technician who understands physics, piping, and patience. Since 1929, State Automatic Heating & Cooling has been the Fox Valley’s guardian of hydronic heat.

The Lost Art of Steam Heating

If you own a pre-1940s home near the Fox River, you likely have steam. Most modern HVAC techs run from steam boilers because they don’t understand them. We love them. A properly tuned steam system should be near-silent.

• The “Banging” Pipes: It’s not a ghost; it’s bad piping. Water hammer occurs when steam meets standing water in a pipe that has sagged or isn’t pitched correctly. We re-pitch pipes and replace defective main vents to silence the noise, a key part of our heating repair services.
• Balancing the Loop: If your upstairs is 80°F while the living room is freezing, your air vents are mismatched. We install adjustable vents on radiators to control how fast each room heats up, creating even comfort throughout the home.
• The Sight Glass: We teach you how to read your boiler’s water level and how to flush the Low Water Cut-Off (LWCO) weekly—a critical safety step recommended by safety codes.

Modern Hot Water Hydronics

While we respect history, we also embrace the future. Modern hot water boilers have evolved from the cast-iron giants of the past into sleek, wall-mounted computers.

Modulating Condensing Boilers (95% AFUE)

We install advanced Carrier and Weil-McLain condensing boilers. Unlike old units that fired at 100% capacity or nothing, these smart boilers “modulate” their flame. If it’s 40°F out, they might run at low fire (like a simmer) to maintain temperature precisely. This creates:

• Incredible Efficiency: By recovering heat from the exhaust gas, these units are up to 95% efficient, exceeding strict 2021 International Mechanical Code standards.
• Outdoor Reset: A sensor outside your home tells the boiler how cold it is. The boiler then adjusts the water temperature automatically—hotter on freezing nights, cooler on mild days—saving you thousands in gas bills over the unit’s life.

Radiator Restoration & Care

Your cast iron radiators are antiques. Don’t replace them—restore them. We offer comprehensive radiator services:

• Valve Repair: Leaking valves can ruin hardwood floors. We repack old stems or install period-correct new valves.
• Air Bleeding: Cold spots at the top of a radiator mean trapped air. We replace seized bleeder valves so you can easily purge the system.
• Sandblasting & Powder Coating: We can remove radiators, have them professionally refinished to match your decor, and reinstall them with new hardware.

Water Quality: The Silent Killer

Batavia’s water is hard (25gpg) and can vary in pH. In a hydronic system, bad water chemistry eats components from the inside out. For all new high-efficiency installations, we use a combustion analyzer and water quality test kit to ensure:

• Ph Balance: Acidity kills aluminum heat exchangers. We add inhibitors to the system water to keep it neutral.
• Magnetic Dirt Separators: We install magnetic filters on the return line to catch “magnetite” (black iron sludge) before it can clog your high-tech pumps. Routine checks are part of our Comfort Club maintenance.

Hydronic Heating FAQs

Why are my radiator pipes making banging noises?

Loud banging, or “water hammer,” is usually caused by condensed water trapped in steam pipes that are sagging or pitched incorrectly. It is not normal. We fix this by correcting pipe pitch and replacing faulty air vents.

What is the difference between steam and hot water boilers?

Steam systems (often found in pre-1940 homes) boil water to create steam that rises to radiators naturally. Hot water systems pump heated water through the loop. Each requires different maintenance and controls.

Do I need a chimney liner for a new boiler?

Yes. Modern high-efficiency boilers produce cooler, more acidic exhaust that can damage old brick chimneys. We recommend PVC sidewall venting or installing a stainless steel liner to protect your home.

What Your Neighbors Say

We’ve been keeping Batavia warm for over 90 years. Here is what local homeowners trust us with their comfort:

“We have been a customer of State Automatic since we moved to the area (over 13 years). They’ve saved me more than once from freezing… from the top brass to the crew on the scene, they have been terrific.”
— Mark C., Batavia Resident

Emergency Boiler Service

When a boiler fails, the thermal mass of your radiators gives you a grace period, but time is still ticking. Frozen pipes in a boiler system can arguably cause more damage than any other home disaster. We offer 24/7 service with a stocked warehouse of pumps, igniters, and controls.

Protect Your Historic Home. Call the Hydronic Experts.

Call Now: (630) 326-6330

Preserving the warmth of Batavia’s historic homes since 1929.