Perry Plumbing's Blog

Most people automatically think of furnaces when it comes to heating their homes. However, boiler systems have a long life, can reach high heating efficiencies, and provide a very effective heating option.

Read on to learn more about boilers and why you should be using one in your home.

How a Boiler Really Works

A boiler is controlled with an electric switch. When switched on, it opens a valve where the gas enters a combustion chamber.

There is a constant stream of natural gas via a pipe attached to the home’s gas main that feeds a fire inside the chamber.

The electric ignition system is what lights the small gas jets. The gas jets fire into a heat exchanger connected to the water pipe carrying the cold water.

The heat exchanger takes the gas-generated heat and heats the water, usually around 140 degrees F. The hot water is then pushed through the house.

An electric pump in or near the boiler keeps the water flowing through loops of pipes and radiators.

Does a Boiler Actually Boil?

The term “boiler” is old lingo from when steam boilers were common, which boiled water to make steam.

Today’s boilers are water heaters and use natural gas. Most can heat water in a range from 145 to 190 degrees, depending on the radiation system.

A New Boiler Can Save You a Lot of Money

Boilers work on an A-G rating system, A being the best, and G, well, not the best. The older the boiler, the less efficient, the more money wasted.

A new boiler can save you hundreds of dollars a year, just on efficiency alone. Installing a new boiler can also increase the value of your home by up to 5%, and is a great selling feature if you ever decide to go that route.

It will also provide you with peace of mind, knowing your heating system is up to date, and brand new. It may seem like a big purchase, but it will pay off in the long run.

Water Does Not Make Your Room More Humid!

Boiler systems do not remove or add humidity to your home’s air, although the quality of the air itself may increase, humidity has nothing to do with it.

High-efficiency boilers pull air from outdoors to achieve combustion, which does not affect the indoor air.

The Water Pressure in Your Boiler Shouldn’t Be Too High or Too Low

Normal pressure for your boiler usually sits between 1.0 and 2.0 bar. If it drops below 1.0 bar, you need to re-pressurize it.

If it goes above 3.0 bar, you will see water coming from the pressure relief valve. You can reduce the pressure by bleeding a radiator.

Even draining the water out of the system using a drain point works. These are usually found underneath a radiator. When in doubt, call a professional for help.

Boilers Are Becoming More Energy Efficient

Modern-day boilers have become more energy efficient than their predecessors. If your boiler is newer than 2005, you most likely have a condensing boiler.

These systems have bigger heat exchangers that can recover more heat from the gas they’re burning. This will be a huge saving for boiler owners in San Diego, CA.

Now you know, boilers are energy efficient, money savers! Hopefully, these fun facts have helped you decide whether or not a boiler is right for your home.