3 Questions To Help Better Appreciate a Boiler
A boiler is a form of heating system that heats using steam or hot water. Many homeowners are familiar with central heating systems like furnaces and air handlers, but boilers work a little different than these. It's essential to recognize the different types of boilers, understand how boilers work, and be aware of what maintenance they require. By truly understanding the ins and outs of the boiler system, homeowners will be better able to appreciate the heat their boiler provides.
How Does the Boiler Work?
Most boilers burn fuel, typically natural gas or propane, to bring water inside a tank to a boil. The fuel is controlled with a valve that opens and closes, allowing fuel to enter a combustion chamber where it ignites. The heat from the flame is transferred into the water tank with a heat exchanger. From there, an electric pump sends the hot water or steam into the home.
The hot water or steam is delivered to each room through pipes inside a radiator, where it heats the air using a process called heat transfer. As the hot water or steam cools, it releases its heat into the room. As the steam cools, it condenses back into a liquid. The cooled water is returned to the boiler to be heated again.
What Are the Different Types of Boilers?
There are a few different types of boilers for residential use, including:
- Steam boiler: This type uses pressure to deliver hot steam to radiators throughout the home and gravity to return condensation to the boiler tank.
- Hot water boiler: This type employs pressure and volume to pipe hot water to radiators throughout the home. Cooled water is returned to the boiler either using gravity or a pump.
- Natural gas boiler: A boiler fueled by natural gas supplied by an underground line.
- Propane boiler: A boiler fueled by propane; more common in rural areas.
- Electric boiler: This type uses electricity to heat the water but is not technically the most energy-efficient.
- Oil-fired boiler: This type uses oil as fuel for heating the water.
Does the Boiler Require Routine Maintenance?
As with any heating system, boilers do require monitoring and routine maintenance. To keep the boiler in peak working condition, a professional should service it once a year.
In the meantime, maintain the boiler by doing the following:
- Bleed the radiators: Bleeding the radiators once a year will dislodge any air blockages and allow maximum heat transfer. This task is best done in the early winter. Also, ensure radiators are clean and uncluttered.
- Run the boiler regularly: Turn the heat on for about 15 minutes every month. This will keep the water and steam moving through the system as it should and help prevent corrosion.
- Monitor water levels: Different types of boilers need different levels of water, but homeowners should monitor the level to make sure it doesn't fall below the ideal range.
- Monitor pressure: Pressure is a key element in the boiler system's function. Get in the habit of checking the pressure gauge to ensure the boiler doesn't need to be repressurized.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted boiler service companies in Danbury, CT. Call their experts for unmatched boiler services!
