Get To Know Your Boiler as a Valentine's "Hot" Date

3 Questions To Help Homeowners Understand Their Boilers

When it comes to building codes and technology, there are many different options for design and functionality. The modern choice is usually built around a furnace or a heat pump that uses fossil fuels or electricity to heat air and circulate it around the building. However, in the northeast, boilers have been the best choice for centuries. 

Since boilers have been around so long, many homes and building designs have been built around them. But, since the technology is not widely used nationwide, many homeowners find themselves unfamiliar with boilers and their operation. Here is some information for homeowners to help them understand their boilers. 

What Makes a Boiler Work?letters

The way that boilers work is a simple matter of physics. Heat from electricity, burning oil, or natural gas is transferred into water. This water can then be heated to around 180 degrees or be heated to steam, depending on the system. The heated water is circulated through piping or radiators around the home to heat the air. As the water circulates, it cools down, so the cooled water flows back to the boiler to be heated again, and the cycle continues. 

Apart from the fact that a boiler uses water to distribute heat, it operates just like any other climate control system. A thermostat is tripped when the temperature is too low, and it signals the boiler to start heating water. Once the setpoint is reached, the thermostat will signal the boiler to cycle off. 

Selecting a New Boiler

A new boiler is probably the most confusing type of appliance to select. There are a dizzying amount of options to choose from. 

Some of these options are choices like:

  • Fuel type (electric, oil, or gas)
  • Water or steam heating
  • Efficiency
  • Capacity
  • Heat only or combi system
  • Heating method

boiler

To simply this decision, homeowners can partner with a certified boiler installation specialist. Often, a home's infrastructure places certain requirements on boiler selection that make it easy to choose. One of the newer options is a boiler's ability to provide hot water. Even if the current system isn't equipped to heat water for showers and washing, it can be beneficial to switch to a combi system since it is one less appliance needed in the household. 

Servicing a Boiler

Like any other appliance, a boiler needs routine service to help it live its best life. This entails certain steps taken by the owner. 

The owner of a boiler is responsible for simple checks like:

  • Making sure there is no obvious damage to the boiler or flue
  • Checking the flame for a deep blue color
  • Cycling the thermostat 
  • Scheduling annual maintenance from professional

Some things that a professional should check include:

  • Checking safety devices
  • Verifying efficiency
  • Clean the burner
  • Flush the system

A well-maintained system will give decades of reliable service. Regular service can also help lower heating bills by keeping the boiler running at peak efficiency. 

About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning is a heating and cooling contractor in Boston, MA. They offer custom-tailored solutions to HVAC problems. Their thorough maintenance programs help homeowners keep their HVAC equipment running reliably all year round. Contact them to schedule boiler service in Boston, MA today! 

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