We all love the trim and tall windows, but they can leave cool corners that linger. You hear a click from the radiator, a soft hiss, and everyone drifts toward the warmest room. None of this means your house is failing. It usually means air is sneaking through gaps or the system needs a little balance and care. We tune for comfort without losing character.

In this guide, we’ll explain why older homes struggle to retain heat, provide quick checks you can do today, and offer gentle upgrades that respect the look you love, as well as when to call a professional for heating repair in Marlborough, NH.

Old Bones, New Heating Problems | Heating Repair in Marlborough, NH,

Plaster and lath can hide pockets where air moves freely, and many walls in older homes never received proper insulation.

Single-pane or leaky double-hung windows allow warm air to escape while cold air seeps in. Long duct runs lose heat before they reach the last room. The stack effect pulls warm air up through the house, then fresh cold air sneaks in around chimneys, sill plates, and attic hatches.

Initially, you notice a slight drop in efficiency and an increase in bills. Next comes uneven comfort with rooms that never catch up. If the venting is old or damaged, a poor draft can raise safety concerns. A careful inspection reveals which fixes matter most.

Also Read: Common Signs Your Heating System Needs Immediate Repair 

What Your Heating System’s Trying to Tell You

Most issues in older homes begin with small signs that are often overlooked until comfort levels really slip.

If you’ve noticed any of these, your system’s probably asking for a little help:

  • Back room stays cold: weak airflow or leaky duct
  • Radiator warms halfway: trapped air, bleed it
  • Boiler keeps starting and stopping: pressure or sensor issue
  • Soot on the burner door or a stale smell: poor combustion or blocked vent
  • Temp swings a lot: thermostat or system balance

Some of these have quick wins, such as balancing dampers, sealing cold air returns, bleeding radiators, or adding weatherstripping. Most of the time, a quick check and a few adjustments make a big difference.

Tuning Heat Without Touching the Charm | Heating Repair in Marlborough, NH,

Radiators and boilers respond best to a gentle tune. If pressure builds up or air becomes trapped in the lines, the rooms stay cool, and the system works too hard.

We begin by checking the pressure, purging any trapped air, and verifying that the circulator matches the layout. Adding ducted rooms can alter airflow and lead to noise or uneven temperatures.

When that happens, we test, balance, and make small upgrades that lift performance without changing the details that make the house feel like home.

Heating Safety & Efficiency Checks to Consider

For older systems, we run combustion tests, verify draft, and monitor carbon monoxide levels. We inspect chimney liners, look for hidden cracks, and confirm vent clearance around vintage woodwork.

Every reading is compiled into a simple report, allowing you to plan upgrades in stages. If any number looks off or you want peace of mind, book for heating repair and get a clear path to safe, steady heat.

Warmth Without Compromise Start with a Plan | Heating Repair in Marlborough, NH

Let us map the heat in your home with heating repair in Marlborough, NH, and give you a plan that keeps the character intact. We begin with a friendly inspection, then share clear readings and a straightforward written path you can follow in stages.

Expect straight talk, documented readings, and quick next steps. Older homes deserve comfort that feels natural throughout every room, all winter long.

Call Keating Plumbing & Heating at 603-665-0491 to book a same-week visit and reserve a maintenance slot before temperatures dip.