Boilers have traditionally been the most common heating system in certain parts of the country. However, people who have never lived in a home with a boiler may be foreign.
For homeowners struggling to understand their boiler, local boiler installation professionals are here to help. This Valentine's Day, stay warm with these facts about residential boilers.
The Boiler Probably Doesn't Boil Water
The term "boiler" is used to describe a heating system that uses water to distribute heat but these days the term is a holdover that isn't necessarily accurate. When boilers were first in use, they boiled water to produce steam. The steam was then pumped around a home to radiators, where it heated the home. In more modern boiler designs, boilers simply use hot water instead of steam.
During a heating cycle, the boiler heats water in a heat exchanger pumped around the home. The advantages to using hot water instead of steam are:
Safety
Efficiency
Comfort
Boilers Are Eco-Friendly
Unlike an industrial boiler that uses steam to drive production processes that constantly use water, a residential boiler doesn't use much water at all. Since a boiler doesn't boil water in a home's heating system, it operates on a closed-loop. This means that the same water gets repeatedly heated and distributed around the home to heat it. Under ideal conditions, no water is lost. The only time water may be lost is when a leak is present. In most circumstances, the system will be drained regularly during boiler maintenance to ensure it is operating properly.
Boilers are eco-friendly because they conserve water, and green because of their efficiency ratings. Like a furnace, boilers are available at different levels of efficiency. Furnaces and boilers can reach efficiency ratings of 95%, meaning gas bills are reduced and the home's carbon footprint is minimized.
It's All About the Water Pressure
One of the most important considerations for operating a boiler efficiently is the water pressure. As water is heated and cooled, it expands and contracts. That places mechanical stress on piping and can disrupt the efficiency of the pumps that move the heated water around.
When pressure is allowed to drop out of the desired range, the water cannot be easily moved and may even form air pockets inside the closed loop. When this occurs, a professional boiler maintenance contractor can bleed the air out of the system and ensure that the pressure stays consistent.
The key to maintaining good pressure is scheduled boiler maintenance. Boiler maintenance is a simple process that can keep a boiler operating for decades. During a maintenance visit from a boiler contractor, the technician will check the automatic valves that govern the water pressure. As long as these valves are operating properly, improper pressure shouldn't be an issue.
About Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating
With 110 years in the business, Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating has seen it all. Their experienced boiler technicians offer superior service at affordable prices. Call them today for a boiler tune-up in Malverne, NY.
“As always, Larry did an outstanding job. His feedback was extremely helpful. The response time was amazing. Larry was at our house shortly after we contacted Charles Krull & Sons, Inc. Plumbing. We would definitely recommend this company. Thank you so much for your service.”
Keri S.
"Called them early in the week and they were able to meet me when I was available. Came to the house and saw the problem with the sink and was able to correct issues right away. Harris did a great job and would recommend them for any plumbing issues. Will use again."
Jim P.
"I appreciate the quick response and taking the time to tell me about options and leave me a quote for follow-up work. I will be calling again for more work. Thanks again."
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