Steam Boilers:

Both steam boilers and hot water tend to use a heat exchanger to heat water and distribute it throughout a piped system connected to radiators around the home. Steam boilers utilize pressure and gravity to deliver the hot steam to radiators and cycle the cooled condensation back into the boiler for reheating. The process works as follows:

1.  The boiler is partially filled with water
2.  Water is then heated and transitions into steam
3.  Pressure within the system increases
4.  Steam rises through the pipes and travels into the radiators
5. When pressure increases, an air vent in the radiators opens
6. When steam reaches the flue, the vent closes
7. The radiator’s head disperses heat into the room
8. The steam cools and condenses back into the water
9. The cooled water flows back to the boiler for reheating

Steam boilers require a low water cutoff, as well as a pressure relief valve. Most steam boilers have a manual valve that allows the addition of water to the system when necessary. Make sure to look out the water level gauge to ensure the water level is appropriate. Always pay close attention to the boiler heating system and perform annual standard maintenance for pristine upkeep and efficient performance. 

Should you ever hear a “knocking” noise coming from your boiler, this indicates a malfunction within the system. If this happens, be sure to reach out to Advanced Boilers & Hydronic Heating to have our team of professionals take a look at it.  

Hot Water Boiler:

Pressure, volume, and temperature are vital components that water boiler-heating systems rely on to provide safe and efficient heating to the radiators in your home. Hot water Boilers use one or a series of pumps to circulate heated water throughout your home. Here is an overview of how water boilers function:

1. Thermostat calls for heat
2. A gas or oil burner is activated, heating the water inside the boiler
3. Pumps will do one of two things: begin pumping water through the system or pre-heat the water to the desired temperature
4. Heated water expands. The extra volume’s sent into an expansion tank
5. Heat radiates from hot water in the radiator
6. Water cools
7. Cooled water is returned to the boiler to a separate pump or by gravity
8. Cooled water flows back to the boiler for reheating

When deciding whether to go with a hot water boiler, it is essential to note that they are not the same as water heaters. Water heaters heat water for your dishwasher, tap water, or your shower. Hot water boilers are used to heat tap water in a separate tank. However, the water for heating the radiators and heating the tap water are separated. 

Gas Boilers:

Boilers are fueled by a gas line that runs a large tank placed outside of the home because there is no mainline for natural gas in these specific rural areas. 

When dealing with a natural gas boiler, it is necessary to have a temperature gauge and thermocouple to regulate and minimize fuel usage. The gas keeps the pilot light ignited, which warms the boiler’s heating coils and proceeds to pass the heat to the water tank.

Electric Boilers:

Electric boilers are a prevalent choice for boilers, as they are incredibly efficient and all-around environmentally friendly. They do not rely on any fossil fuels to heat your home. Some boilers neglect to produce exhaust fumes, which tend to carry away valuable heat into the atmosphere instead of into your home. Electric boilers are especially beneficial to those in the rural areas, as electric boilers require no need for the main gas or fuel supply. Another practical component to choosing an electric boiler is that the installation costs are lower, space is more efficient, and much quieter boilers are in general. 

While electric boilers serve numerous beneficial components, there are a few disadvantages to consider before installing an electric boiler in your home. There are as follows:

• The cost of electricity is higher than oil or natural gas
• For large properties, there may not be a big enough tank sufficient for the necessity
• Electricity is in large, fueled by coal, oil, and gas power plants, partially negating the “green” appeal associated with electric boilers
• Should there be a power outage-this means you have no heat?

Oil Boilers:

Oil boilers often referred to as oil-fired boilers, are water-based heating systems fueled by oil. This specific heating system is more common amongst the country’s rural areas, as there is limited access to natural gas. A separate oil tank contains a mix of domestic biodiesel and heating oil, which pumps the mixture into the oil boiler, heating the water within and dispersing the hot air or water through the piping in your home. 

One thing to remember is that older oil boilers can be very inefficient when it comes to energy. If you have an oil boiler with a natural draft, a heavy heat exchanger, or a continuous pilot light are not very environmentally friendly. When considering retrofitting as a viable option, you will need to consider replacing the whole unit entirely. If you need assistance in weighing the options and deciding the most cost-efficient for you and your needs, the boiler repair and replacement professionals at Advanced Boilers & Hydronic Heating are always around to answer your questions. 

Condensing Boiler:

Condensing boilers use two separate heat exchangers: reheat water returning from the piping in the home and heat the water before it goes out to the radiators. Condensing boilers use the energy potential in the exhaust gases that pre-heat the return water to the boiler. With that, there is increased energy efficiency over its non-condensing counterpart.