It’s winter again in Wisconsin Rapids. The iciest months of winter tend 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 ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s take a look.
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 every room in a home.
Steam boilers
Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to generate steam, which is directed to radiators all over 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 goes to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are primarily powered with natural gas or propane.
Hot water boilers
Hot water boilers work similarly, but circulate hot water throughout your home instead of steam. When you boost the heat, water begins to warm up and is transported through the radiant system when it has reached your perfect temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil fired boilers are not commonly found outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.
Benefits of heating your home with a boiler
Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you probably won’t hear a boiler working 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 provide a more comfortable and even heat. Another benefit is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce 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 learn more about the high efficiency boilers available in Wisconsin Rapids, give Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc a call at 715-301-0256.