It’s winter again in Ames. The iciest months of winter seem to bring about more service and repair calls, which usually results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a variety of products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. 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 takes either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to all of the rooms in a home.
Steam Models
You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is sent to radiators all over your home. Creating more steam increases the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to release 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 typically 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 boost 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 commonly utilized outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.
Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler
Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you probably won’t hear a boiler running 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 lessen the allergens in the air.
Selecting the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they can 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 Ames, give Haselhoff Air Solutions a call at 515-450-8739.