At Armus Mechanical, we understand the importance of keeping churches and community spaces warm, especially during the harsh New England winters. One of our recent projects took us to a local church in New Bedford, MA, where we replaced a failing 200,000 BTU oil-fired boiler that had served the building for decades.
Ongoing Boiler Issues
Throughout the winter, the church relied on us for emergency boiler repair as their old hot water boiler frequently broke down. Each time they called, we were on-site within the hour. Our priority is always fast, professional response for critical heating issues.
Catastrophic Failure
Eventually, the boiler suffered a catastrophic failure: the boiler section brackets that held the unit together cracked due to thermal expansion and contraction over time. This led to one section literally pulling apart. We documented the damage, including photos of:
- The old oil burner system before removal
- The boiler in pieces (we disassembled it into 3 large sections)
- The cracked boiler section and broken bracket
Full Boiler Replacement
We removed the entire system and replaced it with a modern, high-efficiency hot water boiler — maintaining the same 200,000 BTU output but with far greater energy efficiency. The new boiler was compact in size, saving space while delivering powerful heat.
This upgraded boiler features a more compact footprint and better fuel efficiency. Despite its smaller size, it matches the performance of the previous system. With enhanced internal components and modern controls, it distributes heat more evenly and starts up quicker — saving the church both time and fuel.
Why Oil Boilers Still Make Sense for Churches
For many large churches and older buildings in New England, oil heat is still one of the most practical options. These systems deliver strong, consistent heat output that can handle large square footage and tall ceilings. Oil boilers are often easier to retrofit in buildings with limited access to natural gas lines. They also offer long lifespans and compatibility with updated oil burner pipe systems that improve safety and combustion.
Maintenance Tips for Large Oil Boilers
Keeping an oil-fired boiler in top condition requires proactive maintenance. We recommend:
- Annual service and cleaning of the oil burner
- Regular inspection of the oil burner pipe and combustion chamber
- Checking safety controls and pressure relief valves
- Flushing and treating the water inside the hot water boiler to reduce scale and corrosion
Our maintenance plans help prevent breakdowns like the one this church experienced — and they’re available for both residential and commercial properties.
No More Breakdowns
Since installation, the church has noted:
- Faster warm-up times
- Even heat distribution
- A major drop in service calls
This project shows how boiler replacement not only improves reliability but can also cut down long-term costs associated with constant repair.
Customer Testimonial
“We are extremely satisfied with the furnace replacement at our church from Armus Mechanical. Edward E. and Kevin F. provided great service. They were very professional. They kept in contact throughout the process. The work was scheduled and completed very quickly and efficiently. We will definitely contact your company for future service needs. Thank you!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a boiler replacement cost?
Boiler replacement cost depends on system size, brand, and installation complexity. For larger commercial-grade systems like this 200,000 BTU oil boiler, costs typically range between $8,500–$15,000, depending on the project scope. We help our customers explore rebate options through programs like Mass Save.
Q: How long does a boiler replacement take?
In most cases, including this project, our team completes the removal and installation within a single day. For older boilers that need to be removed in sections, we come prepared with tools and crew to handle the job cleanly and efficiently.
Q: Can I replace my old oil burner pipe setup with something more modern?
Yes — we often upgrade both the boiler and supporting piping. New oil burner pipe setups offer better safety, flow control, and longevity. We inspect all piping during installs to ensure long-term reliability.
Learn More About Our Services
Looking for more details about our boiler work? Check out our boiler services.
Need boiler repair or replacement in New Bedford or nearby?
Call or text Armus Mechanical at 508-521-9477 to schedule fast, reliable service today. We proudly serve local churches, businesses, and homeowners with expert service and top-tier reliability.
