Which Boiler Brand Is Right for You?

A Q&A with Jeff Griffin of J. Griffin Heating, Plumbing, & Cooling

Choosing a boiler is a big decision for homeowners in Massachusetts and across New England, where heating systems work hard for months at a time. With so many boiler brands and system types on the market, we wanted to cut through the noise.

So we sat down with Jeff Griffin, founder of J. Griffin Heating, Plumbing & Cooling, who has been installing and servicing boilers for more than 30 years. Jeff was an early adopter of high-efficiency boiler systems in New England, long before they became common, and his team is certified across multiple major brands.

Below, Jeff answers some of the most common questions homeowners ask when searching for boiler installations, upgrades, or service.

Q: When homeowners ask, “Which boiler brand is best for my home,” where do you usually start?

The first thing I explain is that there isn’t one “best” boiler for everyone. The right system depends on your home, how you use heat and hot water, and whether you’re looking for the highest efficiency or a more traditional setup.

In Massachusetts, a boiler isn’t just a piece of equipment. It’s something you rely on daily for a big part of the year. That’s why we spend time understanding the house first, then narrow down brands that make sense for that situation.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between traditional efficiency and high-efficiency boilers?

One of the biggest pros of high-efficiency is the fuel cost savings month-to-month. On average, your traditional boiler operates at 80% efficiency; these newer models operate at 95% efficiency. That's a 15% gain, so that really translates into a 15% fuel cost savings for the life of the machine.

For homeowners searching for someone to provide heating service in North Andover, MA or planning long-term upgrades, high-efficiency systems often make a lot of sense. They cost more upfront, but the efficiency gains add up quickly in New England winters.

Q: You’ve said high-efficiency boilers are a strong suit for J. Griffin. Why is that?

I was installing high-efficiency systems early on, when a lot of companies wouldn’t touch them. Over time, we built deep experience with those systems, and today all of our lead technicians are certified specialists for high-efficiency brands like Navien and Rinnai.

That certification matters. If you’re searching for Navien service near me or Navien service technicians near me, you want to make sure you find someone who truly knows the equipment, not someone learning on the job.

Q: Why is Navien such a popular choice among your customers?

Navien is one of our most popular brands. They are a great space saver too. That’s one of the top reasons why people choose them. That and the efficiency rating.

Navien boilers are compact, efficient, and well-suited for many Massachusetts homes, especially older houses where mechanical space is tight. They’re a great option for homeowners planning boiler installations who want modern performance without sacrificing space.

Q: Homeowners often ask about Navien vs. Rinnai. How do you explain the difference?

Navien and Rinnai make very similar products, but there is one pretty significant difference between them. It’s a little technical though. Rinnai makes a combination boiler that shares heat and hot water at the same time. Navien does not.

Meaning that when one function is running, say you’re taking a shower, the heat won’t be running at that time. The Rinnai splits the load, so homeowners will experience uninterrupted comfort.

Rinnai is often a great choice for busy households where hot water and heat demand overlap. That’s why we make sure our team is fully certified on both brands.

Q: Do traditional boilers still make sense in New England?

Absolutely. While high-efficiency systems are great, traditional boilers still have a place, like when replacing older systems or working within a tighter budget.

Brands like Weil-McLain, Burnham, and Pure-Pro Advantage are known for durability and long-term reliability, which is why you still see them in so many New England homes.

Q: Why do so many homeowners recognize the Weil-McLain name?

Weil-McLain is one of the best-known traditional boiler brands to homeowners, and for good reason. Their longevity and reliability have given them a solid reputation.

Weil-McLain has been around for a long time, and many homeowners feel comfortable sticking with a brand they know,  especially when planning a boiler replacement rather than a full system upgrade.

Q: How does Burnham compare in that same category?

Burnham, made by U.S. Boiler Company, is another well-established option. It’s a solid, dependable choice for a traditional system and works well in homes that already have traditional boiler setups common throughout Massachusetts.

Q: What about Pure-Pro Advantage? When is that a good option?

Pure-Pro also falls in that durable and reliable category, but it can be a much more economical choice. It’s an in-house brand by F.W. Webb, so it carries all the benefits similar to a brand like Burnham, just without the same level of name-brand recognition.

Pure-Pro Advantage can be a great fit for homeowners who want reliability at a lower cost, especially when paired with expert installation and ongoing boiler tune-ups.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make when choosing a boiler?

Focusing only on the brand and not the installer. Even the best boiler won’t perform well if it’s installed or serviced incorrectly. Experience and certification matter just as much as the name on the unit.

Q: What should homeowners in Massachusetts take away from all of this?

The right boiler is the one that fits your home, your comfort needs, and your long-term goals. In New England, your heating system works hard, so it’s worth getting it right.

Working with a team that understands both the equipment and the realities of Massachusetts homes makes all the difference.