Replacement · Residential Boilers · Metro Vancouver
Boiler Replacement in Metro Vancouver
Replacing an aging natural-gas boiler with a modern condensing or combi unit: system assessment, correct sizing, venting and condensate, hydronic flush, TSBC boiler permit, and commissioning. Licensed under Technical Safety BC boiler licence LBP0046450.
By the CANRO Heating & Cooling technical team · Licensed HVAC & gas-fitting contractor, Metro Vancouver · Last updated September 2026
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⚡ Quick answer
CANRO replaces residential natural-gas boilers throughout Metro Vancouver with condensing, combi, or heat-only units sized to your radiators or in-floor system. Every job includes a hydronic system assessment, correct venting and condensate handling, a system flush, a TSBC boiler permit and inspection, and commissioning with outdoor reset where it applies. Ballpark $7,500–$15,000+.
What we assess before recommending a boiler
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Heat loss and radiator/loop capacity | A boiler sized to the house, not the old nameplate, avoids short-cycling and wasted gas |
| Distribution type | Cast-iron radiators, baseboard, and radiant floors each want different supply temperatures |
| Hot water demand | Decides between combi, heat-only plus indirect tank, or keeping a separate water heater |
| Venting route | Condensing boilers vent in plastic to an outside wall; old chimney venting usually cannot be reused |
| Condensate drain | Acidic condensate needs a neutralizer and a drain |
| Gas supply | Line and meter capacity are checked against the new input |
| Water quality and system cleanliness | A flush and magnetic filter protect the new heat exchanger from old-system sludge |
Condensing, combi, or heat-only?
- Condensing heat-only boiler — the workhorse for radiators and radiant floors; pair with an indirect tank for hot water.
- Combi boiler — heating and on-demand hot water in one wall-hung unit; good for smaller homes and suites.
- Non-condensing boiler — lower cost but lower efficiency; sometimes the practical choice where venting cannot be changed. We say so when it is.
The replacement day
- Isolate, drain, and remove the old boiler; protect finishes.
- Set the new boiler, run venting and condensate, connect gas and test.
- Flush the system, add a magnetic filter, fill and purge, set pressure and expansion tank.
- Commission: combustion analysis, set outdoor reset and DHW priority, balance zones.
- Walk you through controls; leave permit paperwork for inspection; register the warranty.
Brands we install
Viessmann, IBC, NTI, Navien, Lochinvar, Weil-McLain, Bosch, Laars, Triangle Tube, Rinnai, and others as the home dictates. See boiler services, replacement cost guide, and indirect water heaters.
Related pages
Boiler Replacement FAQs
When should a boiler be replaced rather than repaired?+
When the heat exchanger is leaking or cracked, when parts are obsolete, when it needs a major repair past roughly 15–20 years, or when repeated breakdowns are costing more than the payments on a new unit. We give both numbers.
How much does boiler replacement cost in Metro Vancouver?+
Ballpark $7,500–$15,000+ installed for a residential gas boiler, depending on whether it is a combi or heat-only unit, venting changes, indirect tank, and the condition of the existing piping. Not a quote; see our cost guide.
Can a new boiler work with my old radiators or in-floor loops?+
Usually yes. Cast-iron radiators and older baseboard need the water temperature and flow matched to them; modern condensing boilers can do this with outdoor reset. In-floor loops need a mixing arrangement. We assess the distribution side before choosing the boiler.
Should I choose a combi boiler?+
A combi makes sense when it can meet your hot-water demand and floor space matters. Large households or homes with big tubs often do better with a heat-only boiler plus an indirect tank. Our hot water guide compares them.
Do you need a special licence to replace a boiler in BC?+
Yes. Boiler work is regulated by Technical Safety BC. CANRO holds boiler licence LBP0046450 and gas licence LGA0043870, pulls the permits, and books the inspection.
How long does the changeover take?+
Typically one to two days for a residential replacement, longer if venting has to be rerouted or zones are being added. We keep hot water outages as short as possible.
Time to replace the boiler?
Call (604) 359-1081 for a free hydronic assessment. Licensed boiler contractor, residential only.
4.9★85+ Google reviews
27+Years serving Metro Vancouver
20+Brands serviced
$0Free written estimates on installs
Frequently asked questions
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Annual servicing is recommended for all residential boilers. CANRO's annual service includes combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, expansion tank pressure check, condensate trap cleaning, and a full safety check. Annual maintenance is also required to keep most manufacturer warranties valid.
How much does a new boiler cost in Vancouver?
A typical residential high-efficiency gas boiler in Metro Vancouver costs $7,500–$15,000 installed, depending on size, brand, and whether the system is heating only or a combi unit that also handles hot water. CANRO provides a free written quote with three options at different price points.
How long does a boiler last?
A well-maintained cast-iron boiler can last 25–30 years, a modern high-efficiency condensing boiler typically lasts 15–20 years, and a combi boiler 12–18 years. Annual servicing has the single biggest impact on lifespan.
My boiler is making a banging or kettling noise. Is that dangerous?
Kettling (a banging or whistling sound) is usually caused by limescale build-up on the heat exchanger and is a sign the system is overheating in localised spots. It will not always cause immediate failure but it shortens the life of the boiler and should be addressed within a few weeks.
Do you service Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars, and Weil-McLain boilers?
Yes. CANRO is one of the few HVAC companies in the Lower Mainland with deep experience on European and high-end North American boilers including Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars, Weil-McLain, NTI, Navien and Rinnai. We carry common parts in the truck.
Should I repair or replace my old boiler?
A useful rule: if the boiler is more than 15 years old and the repair cost is more than 50% of replacement, replacement is the better investment. CANRO will give you both a repair quote and a replacement quote and let you decide.
What HVAC services does CANRO offer in Metro Vancouver?
CANRO installs, services and repairs boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hot water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces and air conditioning across Metro Vancouver. We work on residential homes, townhouses and condos throughout the Lower Mainland.
How long has CANRO been in business?
CANRO has been serving the Greater Vancouver area since 1999. Our founder George is recognised by customers as one of the most experienced boiler and hydronic heating technicians in the Lower Mainland.
What areas do you serve?
We cover all of Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge.
What Metro Vancouver homeowners say about CANRO
Verified Google reviews — 4.9 average across 85+ ratings
★★★★★
"Joe and Allan is a great team of plumbers. They gave me the right advice and helped me make a good decision with my heating."
Google review · May 2026
★★★★★
"The technical team is extremely efficient and skilled. They installed the water tank in two hours and the RUUD tank is working perfectly well."
Google review · May 2026
★★★★★
"We are so happy with the service provided by Joe and Alan. Alan was recommended to us to replace our hot water tank."
Google review · Feb 2026
★★★★★
"Highly recommend."
Google review · Jan 2026
★★★★★
"Canro boiler services were genuine life savers. I was stuck without heat overnight and they came by and got my boiler running."
Google review · Jan 2026
★★★★★
"Canro came in and fixed my boiler that was throwing all types of codes that I couldn't understand but the technician explained everything."
Google review · Jan 2026