Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

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

Different Designs of Boilers

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

Steam Boilers

Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is transported to radiators all over your home. Producing more steam increases the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to let off the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and goes to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are usually powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers work similarly but circulate hot water throughout your home instead of steam. When you turn up the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has achieved your desired temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not traditionally found outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler

Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler operating 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 provide a more comfortable and even heat. Another perk is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce the allergens in the air.

Choosing the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they may be 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.