It’s winter again in Sandpoint. The frostiest 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 ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s explore.
Different Designs of Boilers
A boiler is a type of HVAC equipment used to heat your home, and it utilizes 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 Models
You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to generate steam, which is sent 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 let off the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and returns to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are primarily powered with natural gas or propane.
Hot Water Boilers
Hot water boilers run similarly but circulate hot water around your home instead of steam. When you turn up the heat, water begins to warm up and is transported through the radiant system when it has achieved your perfect temperature. Water boilers may be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not commonly used 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 probably won’t hear a boiler working 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 give you a more comfortable and even heat. Another benefit is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce the allergens in the air.
Selecting 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 learn more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Sandpoint, give Age Heating & Cooling a call at 208-603-2210.
