Boilers
In Wisconsin, a reliable boiler is often the heart of the home, especially in the historic houses found throughout Racine and Kenosha. Unlike forced-air systems, boilers provide a consistent, 'gentle' radiant heat by circulating hot water or steam through a network of pipes and radiators. Whether your home uses steam radiators or modern radiant floor heating, these systems are prized for their durability and ability to maintain warmth without blowing dust or allergens around your living space. At DG Heating & Cooling, we specialize in maximizing this traditional heating method with modern, high-efficiency technology. From routine maintenance to full system upgrades, our 'No Problems, Only Solutions' approach ensures your family stays warm through the toughest Great Lakes winters.
Recommended Boiler Brands & Models
IBC CX Series Boilers
The IBC CX Series is a game-changer for Wisconsin homeowners who want to maximize both their comfort and their mechanical room space. This 'Combi' system utilizes IBC’s legendary condensing technology to handle two jobs at once: providing high-efficiency whole-home heating and on-demand tankless domestic hot water. By eliminating the need for a separate bulky water heater, the CX Series offers a compact, whisper-quiet solution without sacrificing power. It features a high-grade stainless steel heat exchanger and the intuitive V10-Control system, which acts as the 'brain' of your unit to ensure it's always running at peak efficiency. If you're looking for a streamlined system that delivers endless hot showers and a warm home while lowering your monthly energy bills, the CX Series is a top-tier choice! |
IBC VX Series Boilers
The IBC VX Series sets a new standard for value and performance in residential heating. As a high-efficiency modulating condensing boiler, the VX is designed to adapt its output to the specific needs of your home, ensuring you never pay for more energy than you actually use. While it retains the premium stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger and advanced V10-control features IBC is known for, the VX series delivers it all in a significantly more compact frame. This makes it an ideal choice for retrofit projects where space is limited but high output is required. For homeowners in the Kenosha and Racine area looking for a reliable, long-term heating solution that balances cutting-edge technology with 'old school' durability, the VX Series is a standout performer. |
IBC HC Series Boilers
The IBC HC Series is the ideal solution for homeowners who want to upgrade an aging, inefficient heating system without breaking the bank. Known as the 'economical workhorse' of the IBC lineup, this series offers an impressive 95% AFUE rating, ensuring that nearly every penny you spend on fuel is converted directly into warmth for your home. By utilizing a streamlined design with a unique copper and aluminum heat exchanger, the HC Series provides exceptional heat transfer and long-term reliability while remaining highly affordable. It even includes 'Outdoor Reset' technology, which automatically adjusts the boiler’s output based on the temperature outside, maximizing your savings during those unpredictable Wisconsin seasons! For Racine and Kenosha residents looking for a dependable, 'no-nonsense' boiler that balances modern efficiency with a smart budget, the HC Series is a top-tier choice. |
IBC SFB SUPERFLOW Boilers
The IBC SFB Superflow Series offers the perfect intersection of European-inspired engineering and 'no-nonsense' reliability. Designed for maximum efficiency with an AFUE rating of up to 96%, the SFB features a patented 'Labyrinth' heat exchanger. This unique design embeds copper waterways directly into a cast aluminum block, ensuring rapid heat transfer and exceptional durability against Wisconsin’s hardest winters. What truly sets the Superflow apart is its simplicity. With only four moving parts, it is one of the easiest systems in the industry to maintain and service. Whether you are looking for a compact solution for a tight mechanical room or a high-performance unit that can be 'cascaded' for larger homes, the SFB series delivers consistent warmth and long-term energy savings without the complexity of traditional boilers. |
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Boiler
Choosing a new boiler is a significant investment in your home’s long-term comfort. Because every home in Southeast Wisconsin is built differently, from historic brick builds in Racine to modern constructions in Kenosha, there are several factors our team evaluates to ensure you get the best performance.
1. Fuel Type & Availability
While most homes in our area utilize natural gas, we also see many properties relying on propane or heating oil. Gas-fueled boilers generally offer the lowest operating costs, but the best choice often depends on your existing infrastructure. We can help you weigh the long-term fuel savings of switching systems versus the initial conversion costs.
2. Precision Sizing & The ACCA Standard
The size of your boiler is just as critical as its efficiency rating. An undersized unit will struggle to keep up on a sub-zero Wisconsin night, while an oversized unit will "short-cycle," wasting energy and wearing out components prematurely.
At DG Heating & Cooling, we don’t guess. We perform a professional ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) calculation. This takes into account your home’s unique "envelope," including:
- Foundation type and basement insulation.
- Wall thickness and material (brick vs. siding).
- Window quality and air filtration levels.
- Total square footage and ceiling heights.
3. Year-Round Comfort (Cooling Considerations)
It is important to remember that boilers are dedicated heating specialists. Because they don't use ductwork, they do not provide cooling. If your home currently lacks air conditioning, we can discuss secondary solutions, such as Ductless Mini-Split systems, which pair perfectly with boiler-heated homes to provide whisper-quiet cooling in the summer without the need for bulky ductwork.
4. Understanding Energy Efficiency (AFUE Ratings)
Boilers are measured by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) score. This percentage tells you exactly how much of every dollar you spend on fuel is actually heating your home.
- Standard Models: Typically start at 80% AFUE.
- High-Efficiency Models: Range from 90% to 98.5% AFUE.
While high-efficiency units have a higher upfront cost, the dramatic reduction in monthly utility bills often pays for the difference in just a few seasons.
5. Identifying Your Current System
Boilers are "hydronic" systems, meaning they move heat through water rather than air. To understand your options, it’s important to identify both your distribution style and your efficiency type:
- Steam vs. Hot Water (The Distribution): Most historic homes in Racine and Kenosha use Steam Boilers, which send steam to large cast-iron radiators. Newer systems are typically Hot Water Boilers, which circulate heated water to radiators, baseboard heaters, or modern radiant floor loops.
- Condensing vs. Non-Condensing (The Efficiency): This is the "brain" of the system. Older "non-condensing" units lose a lot of heat through the chimney. Modern Condensing Boilers (like the IBC models above) capture that escaping heat and recycle it, making them significantly more efficient and cheaper to run.
6. Professional Service & Maintenance
A boiler is a pressurized system that requires specialized knowledge to maintain. Whether you have a vintage steam system, a high-tech residential unit, or a large-scale industrial boiler, DG Heating & Cooling has the expertise to keep it running safely!
Our "No Problems, Only Solutions" approach applies to:
- Emergency Repairs: 24/7 service when your heat goes out.
- Annual Safety Checks: Cleaning burners and checking heat exchangers to prevent mid-winter breakdowns.
- Radiant Floor & Hydronic Service: Expert care for specialized floor-heating systems.
A Handshake, a Fair Price, and a Warm Home
At DG Heating & Cooling, we don’t believe in sending a "salesperson" to your door. When you call us about your boiler, you’re getting the expertise of a technician who understands the unique demands of Racine and Kenosha homes. Dave Golik founded this company on "old school values”, which means we treat your home like our own, providing honest assessments and precision installs that last.
Whether you need a 24/7 emergency repair or a consultation on a new high-efficiency IBC system, we’re ready to earn your trust.
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