Is it that time of year again when the cold weather has started to emerge? Now is the time to make sure your family is safe and warm this season by being proactive and checking your boiler. Whether it is natural gas, electricity, propane, wood or even oil; these are all many of the various components used to create steam or hot water that heats your home through the use of radiators, baseboard convectors, radiant floors or even fan-forced coils.
Is your boiler 10 years of older? If so, you may be in need of a boiler replacement. If you find that you are spending more in boiler repairs annually than in the past, it may be time to explore your options for a boiler replacement. As with all technology and man made mechanics, a newer model will be more efficient and save you money in the long run on your energy bills.
Need a Replacement? Consider Size & Efficiency
BTU’s (British Thermal Units) is the measurement the capacity of a boiler is measured. This measurement is configured by the amount of energy used to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Every building has its own unique BTU specification, which is determined by its geographical location, climate, number of doors and windows in the home or business, and the quality and amount of insulation that are in the ceilings and walls.
When choosing a new boiler, make sure to look at the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. The AFUE is specifically designed to rate the effectiveness the unit has in converting fuel into heating energy.
A boiler is considered to be a high efficiency boiler if the AFUE rating is 85% or higher. If a boiler has a “Energy Star” certification, this means that the boiler meets strict energy-efficient guidelines which are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Nowadays, the majority of new oil furnaces contain an AFUE rating of anywhere between 80-90%, with gas equivalents rating between 89-98%. Condensing boilers have ratings of well over 95% that accounts for outdoor temperatures when used with an outdoor reset modulation feature. Electric boilers are nearly 100% efficient as they produce no waste gas and are a great option where electricity costs are low in areas of the country.