What does a boiler do?
When it comes to heating your home throughout the winter, many homes opt to use a conventional furnace to get the job done. That said, an appliance that is often overlooked is a boiler. You've most likely heard of them, but what exactly does a boiler do, and how does it work?
Mersey Heating and Air Conditioning is unraveling these questions below so you can get a better idea about what method of heating would work best for your home. Fire up that curiosity, and keep reading to learn more!
What Is the Purpose of a Boiler?
A boiler serves a fundamental yet crucial purpose, particularly in areas where harsh winters are common, like most of Canada. The main function of a boiler is to produce and distribute heat throughout a home to keep families warm and comfortable, regardless of how cold the temperature is outdoors.
Like a furnace, a boiler is an appliance that works alongside the remainder of your home's overall heating system. For example, your boiler is connected to your thermostat and ductwork, so you can control the temperature of your interior when needed and to your personal preferences.
What Is a Boiler and How Does It Work?
In order to generate hot water or steam, heat is transferred from electrically powered components or a combustion process involving oil or gas to water in a boiler. The hot water or steam is then pumped through a network of pipes and radiators into the various rooms of a home to increase the indoor temperature.
Let’s look at a more detailed step-by-step below:
1. Temperature control: Depending on the requirements for indoor temperature, thermostats or controllers regulate how the boiler functions.
2. Heat generation: Electric heating elements or fuel combustion are the two ways that boilers produce heat.
3. Heat transfer: The heat produced is transferred to water through a heat exchanger.
4. Water circulation: Inside the boiler, water is constantly circulating in a closed loop cycle.
5. Heat absorption: The heat exchanger's energy is absorbed by the water, increasing the water's temperature.
6. Steam or hot water: Depending on the type of boiler, the heated water turns into either steam or hot water.
7. Distribution: A system of pipes (ductwork) is used to deliver steam or hot water.
8. Radiators or heat emitters: Radiators allow heat to be discharged into the room.
9. Heat emission: The inside is warmed by the heat that radiators emit.
10. Return to the boiler: Condensate steam or water that has been cooled is brought back to the boiler to be heated again.
Ultimately, a boiler's ability to maintain a steady and comfortable interior temperature is dependent on this continuous process of heating water, distributing it throughout a home, and then bringing it back to the boiler for reheating.
Why Use a Boiler Instead of a Furnace?
Okay, now that you know what a boiler is and how it works, why might homeowners choose to install a boiler in their home instead of a furnace? Well, there are actually numerous benefits installing a boiler can provide you that you may not be aware of. Here is a closer look:
· Even heat distribution: Boilers offer radiant heating, which makes the home's distribution of heat more uniform and reliable. This helps keep the atmosphere cozy and get rid of cold spots.
· Energy efficiency: The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of many contemporary boilers frequently surpass 90%, indicating their high level of efficiency, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.
· Durability: Boilers are renowned for their extended lifespan and resilience. They can outlive many furnaces and last for decades if properly maintained.
· Zoning capabilities: Zoning systems for boilers are simple to set up and provide separate heating of different areas of the house. This increases comfort and reduces energy use.
· Quiet functioning: The noise produced by the air circulation in forced-air systems, such as furnaces, is rarely seen in the operation of boilers.
· Resilience in cold climates: Boilers are a good choice for frigid regions because they can raise the temperature of water to a greater level, providing steady warmth even in extremely cold weather.
· Versatility: Boilers are helpful for more than just space heating; they may also be used to provide heated floors or provide hot water for a household as well.
· Reduced Airborne Allergens: Boilers don't circulate allergens and dust particles as extensively as furnaces do since they don't rely on forced air processes. Those who have respiratory sensitivities or allergies may benefit from this.
Despite the fact that boilers have these benefits, it's crucial to remember that a home's unique heating requirements, budget, and environment all play a role in whether a boiler or furnace is selected. A furnace might be a better choice in milder areas where reliable, even heating isn't as necessary, and ductwork is easily accessible. To choose the right system for your specific needs, it's essential to speak with a professional HVAC company in your area before moving forward.
Boilers in Toronto and GTA
Our team of home comfort advisors and certified technicians proudly serve homeowners throughout Toronto and the GTA!
If you’re interested in learning more about boilers and how they can benefit your home, we encourage you to book a consultation appointment with the professional and experienced HVAC team at Mersey Heating and Air Conditioning.
During your consultation, we’ll give you more details about our present discounts and financing options so you can save big on your new home appliances. We’ll also throw in a completely free, new system purchase quote!
Schedule your consultation today.
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