On frigid winter days, your boiler is the difference between a toasty indoor environment and needing to layer up. Boiler heating systems are crucial for comfort, offering similar benefits as a furnace. The difference between them is how they provide heat.
Are you wondering how do boiler systems work? Then you’re in the right place. This blog will cover everything from how it works to how to choose one.
What Is a Boiler Heating System?
Boilers are among the most popular types of heating systems for homes. They provide an efficient way to heat your home and can last over 20 years with regular maintenance.
There are several types of boilers systems:
- Condensing Boilers
- Hot Water Boilers
- Natural Gas Boilers
- Electric Boilers
- Oil Boiler
How Does a Hot Water Boiler System Work?
Inside your boiler is water ready to be heated. Then, the boiler will create hot water or steam, which moves through piping and radiators in your home. The heat is released, and the steam or hot water is sent back to the boiler, recycled, and used again for heating.
What Is the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace?
While serving the same function, boilers and furnaces have one key difference—how they distribute heat. A furnace will circulate warm air via ductwork throughout your home. A boiler will spread heat in your home via radiators or piping.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Boilers?
Advantages of using a boiler:
- Cost efficient
- Relatively low noise level
- Consistent heat distribution
- Doesn’t dry out your indoor air
- Not much routine maintenance ( don’t need to change filters)
- Doesn’t push air that may disturb dust and other allergens
Disadvantages of using a boiler:
- Typically more expensive to install due to outfitting your home with a proper piping system.
- May take longer to distribute heat once you change the thermostat
- Water leak potential
- Replacement parts can be pricey
How Do You Choose a Boiler for Your House?
Thinking about installing a boiler in your home? You’ll need to ensure you select the right type for your home heating needs. One thing you need to consider before purchasing a boiler is the type of fuel sources available to you. A boiler can use natural gas, oil, or electricity, as a fuel source to heat water. Whichever is most convenient to use will help determine which type of boiler you go with.
You’ll also need to pick the right size boiler to keep your heating costs to a minimum. An undersized boiler won’t meet your heating needs, and an oversized one will waste energy (and your money). A boiler’s capacity is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units.
Here’s how you can figure out what size boiler you need. If you know your home’s square footage, use these calculations:
- 50 BTU per square foot of interior space in a cold climate
- 35 BTU per square foot in a moderate climate
- 20 BTU per square foot in a hot climate
Trust Your Boiler Needs with Stephens Plumbing
Stephens Plumbing provides reliable and safe emergency boiler repair, replacement, and installation services for residents in Downers Grove, Lisle, Oak Brook, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Lisle, Wheaton, and other areas of Illinois. Expect exceptional service and professionalism from our boiler contractors.
Stay warm all winter. Reach us at (630) 968-0783 or schedule online today.
