What Is a Boilers?

It’s cold again in Heflin. The coldest months of winter tend to bring about more service and repair calls, which sometimes results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a variety of products on the market that will heat your home. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s get a closer look.

Types of Boilers

A boiler is a type of HVAC equipment used to heat your home, and it takes either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to each room in a home.

Steam Models

You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is transported to radiators all over your home. Creating more steam amplifies the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to release the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and goes to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are typically powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers run similarly but circulate hot water all over your home instead of steam. When you increase the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has met your perfect temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not commonly used outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Heating Your Home with a Boiler

Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler operating 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 offer a more comfortable and even heat. Another perk is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping decrease the allergens in the air.

Choosing the right heating system for your home can be a difficult decision. Although they can be more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to hear more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Heflin, give Bain Heating & Air Conditioning a call at (256) 363-2232.

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