Boilers

Boilers and furnaces heat most homes in the U.S.; how are they different, and is a boiler better for your situation?

Furnaces heat air and then send that air t throughout a home’s duct system. They come in gas and electric models and last, on average about 10-15 years.  Energy efficiency can vary, but high-efficiency models are becoming more common and more popular as energy prices rise.

Boilers heat water instead of air. What happens after the water is heated varies depending upon the type of boiler:

·         Hot water boilers distribute the heated water through the house in one of three ways: baseboard radiators, radiant floor systems, or a coil. The water then heats the air.

·         Steam boilers pipe the heated water to steam radiators, which then heat the air.

Since steam boilers do their work at a higher temperature than their hot water counterparts, they are less efficient, but every type of boiler comes in high-efficiency models.

Other facts about boilers you may not know:

·         Boilers are known for how quietly they work; most furnaces make a “whoosh” sound when they start up. 

·         Boilers are very durable and have a long lifespan.

·         Boilers require very little maintenance.

·         Boilers are extremely energy-efficient.

·         Boilers construction can include copper and iron

·         Minimum efficiency ratings for boilers is between 75% and 80%, depending upon the type of boiler. Boilers can have efficiencies of up to 97% as well.

Boilers are a great option when you live in an area that has very cold winters, such as we do.  They can deliver consistent, quiet heat throughout the house without the cold pockets that some furnaces leave. Upgrading an existing, older boiler that probably is no more than 70% efficient with a new boiler with efficiency over 90% can save you up to 50% on your utility bills.  It will also reduce your pollution output by 50%.  Over the course of a boiler’s life, that’s quite a bit of money and pollution that is saved.