Boilers, Hot Water Heaters and How They Heat Your Home
When homeowners think of heating, a trusty furnace is probably the first thing you think of. But plumbing appliances like your hot water heater and even boilers are just as beneficial. Your hot water heater helps with tasks like washing clothes or dishes, while boilers can be powerful solutions for residential heating. With an expert team of installers and service technicians, HomeServe of Staten Island can help make the most of these appliances.
Let’s review how these two systems work. You can make a well-informed decision when you’d like to schedule boiler installation of your own. And if you need help with any type of boiler repair, let us know at (888) 211-0578.
How Does a Boiler Heat an Entire Home?
While furnaces are often the go-to heating system these days, boilers are frequently good options too. You can still find them in older homes by way of standing or baseboard radiators. Contemporary boilers are making a comeback thanks to technological innovations.
When the temperature drops below your desired settings, the boiler starts heating water for distribution throughout the house. Built-in zone valves direct the water to each radiator thanks to a strong circulating pump. But now, boilers can also work with modern HVAC ductwork. A hot water coil is placed in the air ducts, heating the air through convection before it circulates through the rest of the ductwork.
Most boilers keep this water supply between 180 to 200 degrees (F). To keep the entire supply at efficient temperatures, the circulator continues to pump water until the coldest water has made its way back to the system. You’ll want to keep the internal pressure at about 30 pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge found on the boiler enables you to check both the pressure and the water’s temperature.
Other important parts of a boiler are the air scoop, water feeder, expansion tank and relief valve:
- The air scoop, also referred to as an air separator or air purge, extracts air bubbles held in the water. This reduces noise and stops air-bound radiation from affecting the system’s efficiency.
- Automatic water feeders continue to add water whenever necessary to keep the system full, reducing the risk of issues.
- The expansion tank removes and stores excess water generated during the heating process.
- Lastly, a relief valve keeps the water pressure at safe/efficient levels. Otherwise, you risk overheating the system or putting excessive strain on it.
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First Up: How Do Standard Water Heaters Work?
In most designs, a hot water heater is essentially a large storage tank with built-in heating elements. Water stored inside the tank is continuously heated until you need hot water somewhere else in the house. The water is heated to your chosen temperature before it’s pumped to the faucet or appliance that needs it. For safety and efficiency, the water heater’s thermostat should be set between 120 and 140°F. This reduces the chance of scalding or bacterial growth.
Alternatively, tankless water heaters are comparatively modern and lack the storage tank, as the name suggests. Instead, it starts heating water as it arrives from the water main. This can be very energy-efficient since you’re not constantly heating a lot of water like you would with a standard tank water heater.
Five Signs Your Boiler May Need Professional Service
Reach out to your local boiler repair specialist if you’ve noticed any of the following signs:
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The burner is loud or emits a smoky odor:
These burner problems often point back to a malfunction in the combustion process. A technician will check the burner assembly itself along with the air and fuel supply lines.
Excessive air noises:
A loud and disruptive boiler can be explained by air stuck somewhere in the system, affecting efficiency. While most of the time the pockets of air are found in the pipes, there could also be an issue with the circulation pump.
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Water leaking from the relief valve:
A leaky valve can mean that the water pressure inside your boiler is too high. This could be due to a malfunctioning pressure relief valve or that there’s something wrong with the expansion tank.
Water leaking from any nearby piping connections:
Leaks at the piping connections are most likely because of damaged seals, joints or connections in the system. Fixing these leaks early prevents further damage and loss of efficiency.
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A burning or gas smell:
The odor of natural gas or something burning is a concerning sign. There could be fuel leaking from the fuel supply line or something in the burner assembly is malfunctioning. A fast response ensures safety and prevents the risk of a fire.
Whether you’re looking to address a problem or you’re considering an upgrade, HomeServe of Staten Island can help.
We are known for quality repair and installation services for both hot water heaters and boilers, and our experienced staff will make sure yours is in the best possible shape. Get in touch with us at (888) 211-0578 to arrange a free consultation.
We service all makes and models, so give us a call today!
Save Even More with Special Offers
A complete sense of comfort shouldn’t be out of anyone’s budget. HomeServe of Staten Island lightens the load with seasonal promotions, discounts and other special offers. These offers help lower costs for key services, new equipment or whatever else you need for your comfort and peace of mind. Check out our current offers for more details on how to save.
Committed to Comfort from the Very Start
While a long history of service is impressive, nothing is more important to customer satisfaction than a dedication to total comfort. HomeServe of Staten Island considers your peace of mind our top priority, and that hasn’t changed since we first opened our doors. Learn more about our history, and how our communities support us just as much as we support you.
