Three Boiler Facts You Probably Didn’t Know.
A boiler may not be as romantic as the flickering glow of a fire in the fireplace, but it sure is better at keeping a house warm. And after all, nothing can kill the Valentine’s Day mood like a cold house. Cuddling up under a few blankets is nice, but it shouldn’t be the only way to stay warm!
Of course, boilers aren’t the only form of central heating that can keep the lovebirds cozy on a cold night - but they’re possibly the most underappreciated and misunderstood. So this article will lay out three facts that might make homeowners fall in love with their boilers.
Not All Boilers Boil Water
The name “boiler” is a bit of a misnomer for today’s boilers. It is a bit of a carryover from when boilers produced steam to provide heat. This type of boiler has largely been phased out since the middle of the 20th century because they consumed a lot of fuel and had a troubling tendency to explode, although there may still be a few ancient specimens in older homes throughout some parts of the country.
Most modern boilers only heat water to as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a little under the boiling point of water (212 degrees Fahrenheit). The boilers transfer heat from a heat source (electric heating elements or gas burners) to water in coiled pipes via a heat exchanger. This makes today’s boilers much safer and more energy-efficient than their steamy predecessors.
Boilers Are an Efficient and Eco-Friendly Heating Option
Boiler technology has come a long way, and advancements are constantly being made for improved efficiency and sustainability. Boilers are pretty efficient since they recycle water in a closed-loop between the boiler unit and the home’s radiators. Since very little heat is wasted, each radiator can be controlled independently, improving efficiency and reducing heat waste.
There are also plenty of even more energy-efficient boiler options out there. Some models recapture exhaust from gas burners in a secondary heat exchanger to recycle as much heat as possible. Other types, called combi boilers, are combination boilers/water heaters that provide radiant heat to the home and hot water to the taps. Installing a high-efficiency boiler such as these can save homeowners significantly on their energy costs.
Water Pressure Can Have An Effect On Boiler Efficiency
No matter what kind of boiler the home has, efficiency depends on multiple factors. Adequate boiler maintenance is perhaps the most critical factor in ensuring the unit performs at its peak, but water pressure can also have a huge impact.
High water pressure can damage the boiler or result in emergency shutdowns, wasting heat and degrading overall performance. Low water pressure can also trigger shutdowns to prevent overheating. Still, before this happens, the unit will be burning more energy to provide heat but failing to distribute it efficiently throughout the house.
Since most boilers are in a closed pipe system, the problem will be somewhere in the boiler, the pipe network, or the radiators - for instance, slow pipe leaks are a common culprit of low pressure. But in a combi boiler, the problem may be with a supply pipe, the water main, or the home’s pressure regulator. Pressure issues shouldn’t be ignored, so it’s best to contact a boiler repair specialist to solve them when they arise.
About John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
The award-winning John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning have been Lincoln’s trusted name for home services since 1996. Their licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians arrive on time in fully-stocked trucks, ready to tackle any job with personalized options, clear communication, and no surprises. They offer membership perks and 24-hour emergency service, so call John Henry’s today for boiler installation in Lincoln, NE!
