How Are Boilers an HVAC System?

It’s winter again in Jefferson. The coldest months of winter can bring about more service and repair calls, which often results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a number of products on the market that will keep your home warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s take a look.

There Are Different Kinds of Boilers

A boiler is a type of HVAC equipment used to heat your home, and it takes either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to every room in a home.

Steam Boilers

Picture a boiler as a teapot. These systems boil water to generate steam, which is directed to radiators throughout your home. Creating more steam amplifies the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to relieve the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and heads back to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are usually powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers run similarly but circulate hot water all over your home instead of steam. When you boost the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has met your perfect temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not usually found outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Heating Your Home with a Boiler

Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you most likely won’t hear a boiler running at all unless there’s a problem with the system. And, because radiant systems use pipes that are installed in the walls or floor, boilers can offer a more comfortable and even heat. Another bonus is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping decrease the allergens in the air.

Picking the right heating system for your home can be a hard decision. Although they are often more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to hear more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Jefferson, give Pratt Brothers a call at 920-347-8495.