Get Better Acquainted With Your Boiler Using These 3 Questions
While traditional furnaces and modern heat pumps are arguably the most well-known sources of central heating, boilers are still very much alive and deserve just as much attention as their counterparts. Because they seem like a more old-school form of home heating, most homeowners find boilers intimidating and know very little about their very own units beyond how to adjust the thermostat. But since they perform such a vital function - especially during the cold East Coast winters - it pays to learn more about what makes boilers tick.
How Do Boilers Work?
A boiler works much like a standard furnace, except it uses water or steam - rather than air - to distribute heat energy throughout the home. The boiler heats the water inside a coiled section of a pipe called a heat exchanger using natural gas burners or electric heating elements.
Once the water reaches a temperature between 140-180 degrees Fahrenheit, an electric pump forces it via copper pipes throughout the home, where it flows through radiators or radiant floor heating networks, putting off heat into every room. The water then circulates back to the boiler to be heated again.
Is There More Than One Type of Boiler?
There are several different types of boiler, each with its unique features. While most boilers use natural gas or electricity as a fuel source for heating water, some models still use oil. Oil-powered boilers are typically more expensive and more taxing on the environment, and somewhat inconvenient since the oil must be stored on-site. Steam boilers heat the water beyond the boiling point and use steam as the heat delivery method rather than water. This requires more heating power but eliminates the need for an electric pump to circulate the water.
Another difference from one boiler to the next is the heating method. Some use a water-tube configuration, which, as mentioned above, involves heating coiled pipes filled with water. Others employ a fire-tube system, in which the process is essentially inverted - heat is pumped through a coil of pipes inside a water storage tank, heating the surrounding water. Many newer boilers fulfill a dual purpose by heating a portion of the water supply and the home.
What Kind of Service and Maintenance Does a Boiler Need?
Boilers suffer wear and tear like any other mode of central heating, so regular service and maintenance are crucial to the unit's continued operation and efficiency. A malfunctioning oil or gas-powered boiler can even be quite dangerous. This is why professional boiler service checklists always include a detailed inspection of the pilot light, burners, ignition pins, and flame sensor. These will be cleaned of any dust or residue if necessary.
Also, electrical components like the wiring, thermocouple, high-temp limit switch, and electric heating elements must be inspected and tested for defects. Homeowners must regularly clean the exhaust flue in fuel-burning boilers to prevent blockages due to resin or dust. They must flush water tanks and pipes routinely to prevent mineral scale buildup, especially in regions with hard water.
Homeowners could perform some minor maintenance tasks per the boiler's manual, but in general, it's a job best left to a trained pro.
About All Clear Plumbing
All Clear has been providing expert plumbing and HVAC services to Belleville, New Jersey since 1952. As a family-owned and operated local business, their dedication to honesty and professionalism has earned them an A+ BBB rating and numerous 5-star customer reviews. All Clear offers transparent flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a highly rewarding loyalty program. Call now for boiler services!
