Boilers

Residential Boilers in Chicago – Peerless & Burnham by U.S. Boiler

In Stock | Wholesale Pricing

  • U.S. Boiler and Peerless residential boilers in stock — multiple sizes and configurations to fit any heating need.
  • Many models are ENERGY STAR® compliant, helping Chicago homeowners reduce fuel costs year-round.
  • Expert HVAC staff serving homeowners throughout Chicagoland since 1939.

Boilers — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about buying, sizing, and replacing hot water and steam boilers in Chicago

Q
Where can I buy a boiler in Chicago?

Consumers Supply Company at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago carries Peerless and Burnham boilers for both hot water and steam heating systems. The store is open to the public — homeowners and building owners are welcome to walk in, no contractor required. Call (312) 666-6080 for current availability or to discuss which boiler is right for your system.

Q
What is the difference between a steam boiler and a hot water boiler?

A steam boiler heats water until it turns to steam, which then travels through pipes to cast iron radiators and condenses back into water as it gives off heat. A hot water boiler (also called a hydronic boiler) heats water to a lower temperature and circulates it through pipes and radiators or baseboard heating using a pump. Steam systems are very common in older Chicago buildings — two-flats, three-flats, and greystones built before 1960 almost exclusively use steam. Hot water systems are more common in newer construction and are generally more energy-efficient. The two systems are not interchangeable — a replacement boiler must match the existing system type.

Q
What boiler brands does Consumers Supply carry?

Consumers Supply carries Peerless and Burnham boilers, two of the most trusted names in residential and light commercial heating. Both brands manufacture cast iron boilers for steam and hot water systems and are well-supported by Chicago-area heating contractors. Burnham is also available under the U.S. Boiler Company name for certain hot water boiler lines. Call (312) 666-6080 to ask about current stock and model availability.

Q
How do I know if my Chicago building has a steam or hot water boiler?

The clearest indicator is the radiators. Steam radiators typically have only one pipe connection at the bottom and a small air vent on the side — they heat up, make noise (banging or hissing), and cool down in cycles. Hot water radiators usually have two pipe connections (supply and return) and operate more quietly and evenly. You can also look at the boiler itself — a steam boiler will have a visible glass gauge showing the water level, which should sit at roughly half-full. If you’re unsure, the team at Consumers Supply can help you identify your system type over the phone before you purchase.

Q
How do I size a replacement boiler for my Chicago home?

For most replacement situations, the simplest and most reliable approach is to match the BTU output of the existing boiler — if your home has been heating well and you’re satisfied with the comfort level, replacing with a similarly sized unit from Peerless or Burnham is the right call. The model number on your existing boiler is the best starting point. Bring it in or call us at (312) 666-6080 and we can help identify a suitable replacement. If you have concerns about whether your current boiler was properly sized, a licensed heating contractor can evaluate the system.

Q
How long does a boiler last?

A well-maintained cast iron boiler can last 25 to 30 years, and it’s not uncommon to find original boilers in Chicago buildings that are 40 or 50 years old and still running. That said, efficiency degrades over time, and older boilers may be running at 60–70% efficiency compared to 82–85% or higher for modern units. Annual service — cleaning the heat exchanger, checking controls and safety devices, and treating the boiler water — is the single most important factor in long boiler life. If your boiler is over 20 years old and showing signs of trouble, a replacement is worth seriously evaluating before an emergency arises mid-winter.

Q
Is Peerless or Burnham a better boiler?

Both are excellent, well-established brands with strong reputations among Chicago heating contractors — the choice often comes down to specific model availability, contractor preference, and your system’s exact requirements rather than one brand being definitively superior. Peerless is particularly well-regarded for steam boilers, while Burnham offers a broad lineup covering both steam and hot water applications at various efficiency tiers. The team at Consumers Supply can walk you through the differences between specific models when you call or stop in.

Q
Can I replace a steam boiler with a hot water boiler to save energy?

Technically yes, but it’s a major project and rarely straightforward in an existing Chicago building. Converting from steam to hot water requires replacing or significantly modifying the piping, adding a circulator pump, and often replacing or adapting the existing radiators. In a multi-unit building the complexity and cost multiply further. For most owners of Chicago two-flats and three-flats, replacing a failed steam boiler with a modern high-efficiency steam boiler from Peerless or Burnham is the more practical and cost-effective path. Conversion can make sense in certain gut-rehab scenarios — a heating contractor can assess whether it’s worth it for your specific building.

Q
What is a cast iron boiler and why does it matter?

Both Peerless and Burnham manufacture cast iron sectional boilers, which are the traditional and dominant boiler type for Chicago’s older building stock. Cast iron boilers are built in sections that can be assembled in tight mechanical rooms and, crucially, can be repaired by replacing individual sections rather than the entire unit. They are extremely durable, handle the demands of steam systems well, and have a proven track record in Chicago’s climate. Steel boilers exist but are less common in residential steam applications — cast iron is the standard for good reason.

Q
Does Consumers Supply sell boilers to homeowners and building owners directly?

Yes. Consumers Supply is open to the public — homeowners and building owners can walk in and purchase a Peerless or Burnham boiler directly, no contractor required. Many customers purchase the boiler themselves and have their contractor handle installation, which can reduce overall project cost. Stop by at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago or call (312) 666-6080 to discuss what you need.

Q
My boiler is making loud banging noises — do I need a new one?

Not necessarily. Banging or hammering in a steam system (called water hammer) is very common in Chicago buildings and is usually caused by condensate — water that has formed from cooled steam — sitting in pipes where it shouldn’t be. Common causes include improper pipe pitch, failed steam traps, or low boiler water level, most of which are serviceable without replacing the boiler. Loud banging is worth addressing promptly since water hammer can stress pipe joints over time, but it’s a repair call before it’s a replacement call. If the boiler itself is old and inefficient on top of the noise issues, a replacement conversation becomes more relevant.

Energy Star and Peerless boilers on display at Consumer Supply