Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s that time of year again in Smyrna. The frostiest months of winter seem to 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 heat your home. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s explore.

Types 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 Models

Picture a boiler as a teapot. These systems boil water to create steam, which is directed to radiators throughout your home. Creating more steam heightens 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 heads back 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 around your home instead of steam. When you increase the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has reached your chosen temperature. Water boilers can 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 Using a Boiler

Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler running at all unless there’s an issue 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 bonus is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping lessen 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 Smyrna, give Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC a call at 302-653-0503.