Boilers 101--Why They are an Efficient Choice to Heat Your Home & Business

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The boilers heat a liquid, usually water, which is then circulated to spread the warmth. Boilers are flexible because they can use different types of fuel to heat the liquid. The preferred choice is a gas boiler,
but propane and fuel oil will work as well. There are also boilers that operate using electricity, as opposed to the conventional method.

The system includes a pump(s) to move the heated liquid through a series of pipes and some form of distribution to heat the space. Radiators, baseboards, and fan coils are common examples of heat distribution. The newest, and increasingly more popular form of distribution is radiant floor heating. The heated liquid is circulated through a series of tubes installed under the floor.

The heat radiates up from the floor and warms the objects in the room, which in turn warms the air. It’s the same principle as the sunlight streaming through a window. Radiant heating in all forms offers several advantages:

  • Generally more efficient because there are no ducts
  • Quiet because there are no fans or blowers
  • No blowing air to carry dirt, dust, and other allergens

But let’s get back to the heart of the system, the boiler. In principle, it does the same job as your hot water heater, but generally does it much more efficiently. Climate Control features boilers by Lochinvar and Navian. It could make a lot of sense to consider a boiler replacement. The cost of a new boiler can be partially offset because older boilers have efficiency ratings of 55% to 70%. Newer models can have ratings as high as 98.5%.

Some people tend to ignore maintenance on boilers because there aren’t as many moving parts as a forced air furnace, but that is a mistake. A boiler should have a safety inspection before the heating season starts. Our Climate Control technician will make sure the fuel is burning properly with no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They will also make sure all of the pressure relief devices are working correctly. Too much pressure in the system is dangerous, and on rare occasions, can cause a boiler to explode.

If you would like to understand more about boilers and how they can be an efficient choice to heat your home or business, call on our experts. When it comes to HVAC contractors in Vail, Aspen, and the entire Western Slope, Climate Control Company should be the first and only call you make. Comfort driven, Colorado style since 1956.

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