Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s that time of year again in Columbia. The iciest months of winter tend 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 keep your home warm. 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 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 around your home. Producing more steam increases 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 usually powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers run similarly but circulate hot water throughout your home instead of steam. When you increase the heat, water begins to warm up and is transported through the radiant system when it has met your desired temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not usually found 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 more than likely won’t hear a boiler operating 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 offer a more comfortable and even heat. Another bonus 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 Columbia, give Watts Electric & AC a call at 601-736-7362.