Belleville can be brutally cold in the winter and a boiler could be just what your home needs to be warm and comfortable. This type of heating system has plenty of efficiency and versatility for homes of a variety of sizes. Explore the facts about boilers to learn the details and determine if it is the best heating system for your house.
1. How Boilers Work
Boilers either use electric resistance or they burn fuel to generate heat. The heat goes to an exchanger, which will either produce steam or heat up water. The steam or water circulates to radiators via pipes. This all helps to ensure an even distribution of warmth and consistent heat throughout your home.
2. Types of Boilers
There are four primary types of boilers to choose from. A combination boiler combines both a central heating boiler and a water heater. They are highly energy efficient and ideal for small spaces. You will not need a separate hot water tank with this type.
A regular boiler has a hot water tank and a boiler unit. These are an ideal choice if you already have a hot water system and heating system in your home and you want to transition. You might also consider a regular boiler if you want to use it with solar heating installations.
System boilers can work with a separate hot water tank. If you have a big home that uses a lot of water, you might consider this type of boiler.
If you want to recover heat from flue gases to optimize energy efficiency in your home, a condensing boiler is an option. In the exhaust gases, they condense water to release more heat.
3. Boiler Fuel Sources
The most common boiler in homes has a primary fuel source of natural gas. Compared to the other fuel options, they tend to be highly reliable, efficient and have lower operational costs.
Electric boilers are another option. You might consider this type of boiler if oil or gas are not good options. They are generally compact and easy to install, making them a good choice for smaller homes.
Another type of boiler uses oil as a fuel source. If you live somewhere that does not have a natural gas supply, you might consider this type. Overall, they are environmentally friendly and efficient.
4. Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for the most energy-efficient boiler, you want to look at the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This tells you how much fuel turns into usable heat when the boiler is operating. Ideally, you want a boiler to be rated above 90% so that it offers the most energy efficiency possible.
5. Maintenance and Installation
Installing a boiler is best left to a professional. This will ensure that it operates optimally and safely. An expert will also make sure that you choose the best boiler at the right size to heat your space.
Like any other heating system, routine maintenance is vital to keep your boiler operating properly. The general recommendation is to have a professional come once a year to inspect your boiler and perform any necessary cleaning and maintenance. During this time, they will also let you know if you need to replace any of the parts so that everything works properly and efficiently.
6. Smart Technology and Controls
There are a couple of additions you can add to many modern boilers to make them easier to use. Programmable thermostats let you schedule your heating so that you can best optimize the consumption of energy. It’s common to find these thermostats on modern boilers.
Another option is smart controls. These allow you to monitor and adjust your boiler remotely. For example, you can make changes to your home’s temperature when you are at work when you think it’s necessary. You can download a smartphone app to access the controls that allow for enhanced control, energy efficiency, and convenience.
7. Boiler Lifespan
A variety of factors go into how long your boiler will last after a professional installs it. On average, boilers can last for 15 to 20 years or more when you maintain them properly. This means choosing a high-quality unit, using it properly, and having a professional perform the proper maintenance once a year. If you have an old boiler in your home, you might want to consider upgrading to a more efficient and modern model to get the longest lifespan.
8. Zoned Heating
Zoned heating allows you to have the most control over the heating in your home. You can create different zones for spaces that you want to heat independently. For example, one zone could be your living and dining room and another the spare bedroom that you do not often use. Keep the living and dining rooms warm while keeping the heat in the spare room to a minimum to reduce energy usage.
A professional will help you to choose zones that make the most sense for how you live in your home. They will use multiple ductwork dampers or valves and thermostats to allow you to control each zone of your boiler heating system.
9. Underfloor and Radiant Heating
There are different ways to distribute heat throughout your home from your boiler system. Underfloor heating involves placing various electric heating elements or pipes under your floor. They essentially provide radiant heat throughout your home. This method tends to be very efficient when you pair it with a boiler. It also allows for the even distribution of heat.
Radiators are a common way to distribute heat from a boiler. It is also the most common method. Modern radiators have aesthetic appeal and a high level of efficiency. They radiate heat into the room you place them in.
10. Boiler Safety
As you explore your boiler options, you have to consider their safety. When you start looking at the right boiler for your home, make sure to consider features, such as temperature controls, pressure relief valves, and automatic shut-off mechanisms. You also want to have a professional come in and perform annual inspections and maintenance.
If you are not familiar with boiler heating, talk to a professional about proper operation. They can make recommendations based on your home and the exact model you have to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Heating Experts in Belleville
Keeping warm in Belleville during the winter is no easy task. You must choose the best heating system for your home. Our experts will help you examine boilers and will aid you in determining which one is the best suited for your space. Once the warm months come around, our professionals can also assist you with your home’s cooling needs. We perform fireplace services as well.
Call Armour Home Comfort in Belleville today to learn more about whether a boiler is ideal for your home.
