Types of Boilers for Homes

When it comes to heating your home in the cold winter months, rely on a boiler or furnace to get the job done. Boilers pipe hot water or steam throughout the pipes and radiators in a home. This produces warmth inside the home. Having a working boiler is vital. Make sure that your family stays comfortable this winter season. What boiler is right for your home? Keep reading as we go over the types of boilers available to you.

Steam Boilers

Steam boilers work to create hot steam. This is like a kettle on your stove. The only difference is that it doesn't whistle when it's ready to use. This steam is then sent through the pipes and radiators in a home. You feel the heat from the steam traveling throughout the house. The pressure valves on the radiators release any extra pressure buildup.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers are more common than steam boilers. In this system, hot water goes through the heating system in your home. It works like the steam boiler system. Hot water systems create hot water to meet the household's hot water needs. Those with a hot water boiler won't need a water heater to get hot water in their home.

Standard Vs. High-Efficiency Systems

With new boilers, you have the option between standard and high-efficiency systems. Standard systems are the cheapest to buy. But, their operating costs will be more than the high-efficiency systems. As a general rule of thumb, standard boiler systems operate at about 80 to 84 percent efficiency. But, high-efficiency systems operate at greater than 90 percent efficiency.

If you're confused about boiler efficiency, let us go a bit more in-depth. When your boiler is running, it's powered by fossil fuels. This is different for each homeowner depending on their local fuels and costs. Most boilers use natural gas, electricity, or oil. When you use the fuel to heat the boiler, some gets lost in the natural conduction process. High-efficiency boiler systems trap the lost heat and direct it back into the system.

Call Us Today

Determining the right type of boiler for your home is a big decision. Boilers are an expensive investment. You want to make sure that you're choosing the best one to fit your needs. Give us a call today. Let our expert staff assess your needs and recommend the right boiler for you.