It’s that time of year again in Port Orchard. The coldest months of winter seem to bring about more service and repair calls, which usually results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are various products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s get a closer look.
Different Designs of Boilers
A boiler is a type of HVAC equipment used to heat your home, and it uses either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to every room in a home.
Steam Models
Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is transported to radiators all over your home. Producing more steam increases the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to relieve the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and returns to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are usually powered with natural gas or propane.
Hot Water Boilers
Hot water boilers operate similarly but circulate hot water all over your home instead of steam. When you turn up the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has reached your perfect temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not usually used outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.
Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler
Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you probably won’t hear a boiler working at all unless there’s an issue with the system. And, because radiant systems use pipes that are installed in the walls or floor, boilers can provide a more comfortable and even heat. Another bonus is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping lessen the allergens in the air.
Choosing the right heating system for your home can be a difficult decision. Although they are often more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to learn more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Port Orchard, give Air Masters Heating & Cooling a call at 360-205-7115.