It’s cold again in Des Moines. 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 number of products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s get a closer look.
Different Designs 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 Boilers
Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to generate 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 relieve 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 primarily powered with natural gas or propane.
Hot Water Boilers
Hot water boilers operate similarly but circulate hot water all over your home instead of steam. When you boost the heat, water begins to warm up and is pumped through the radiant system when it has achieved your chosen temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not usually used outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.
Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler
Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you probably won’t hear a boiler running at all unless there’s something wrong 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 decrease 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 Des Moines, give Heartland Heating & Cooling a call at 515-344-3579.