Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s cold again in Delray Beach. The frostiest months of winter can bring about more service and repair calls, which often results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a variety of products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s get a closer look.

There Are Different Kinds 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

Picture a boiler as a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is directed to radiators all over your home. Generating 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 heads back to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are typically 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 increase the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has reached your perfect temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not commonly used 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 most likely won’t hear a boiler operating at all unless there’s an issue 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 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 difficult decision. Although they are often more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to hear more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Delray Beach, give Kilbourne Heating & AC a call at 561-287-7071.