Understanding How Boilers Keep Homes Warm
Heating a home with a boiler is a classic method, and there’s nothing quite like the inviting heat from a warm radiator. Although many home builders are choosing central heating to control the temperature of a home, plenty of homeowners still choose to bask in the warmth of a boiler.
Boilers are a mystery to people who don’t live with one, so it can be hard for people to understand how they work and why their owners love them so much. This brief article will describe how boilers work, signs of boiler issues, and how to take care of boilers. By following these tips, boiler owners will be better prepared to brave the winter’s brutal cold.
Getting Familiar With the Boiler
Some physics is involved in understanding how a boiler works. The first significant advances in heating technology involved using a medium to transfer heat. When the fire was the only way to keep warm, the heat had to transfer through the air to warm a room, and this process was very inefficient. The negative effects of constantly having an open flame are obvious, so people set about finding safer solutions.
In modern heating systems, natural gas produces a flame in a heat exchanger, or compressed refrigerant is used to move heat around a home. The difference with a boiler is that water is used as the heat exchange medium.
In a boiler, water is heated to the boiling point to create steam, usually by burning natural gas. Steam is then pumped around the home in pipes to radiators that warm rooms. As the steam cools, it gets piped back to the boiler to be boiled again. This makes boilers efficient and an excellent choice for indoor comfort.
Common Boiler Problems to Look Out For
Boiler problems can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be a major inconvenience. With some knowledge and professional help, homeowners can get their boilers up and running again in no time. Homeowners should reach out for help after noticing signs of issues with their boiler.
There are a few different signs that indicate a boiler isn’t working correctly. First, check to see if the pilot light is on. If it’s not, the boiler may not be getting enough gas. Next, check the pressure gauge to see if it’s in the normal range. If it’s not, then the boiler may have a blockage or leak. Finally, listen for any strange noises coming from the boiler. If homeowners hear any banging, hissing, or other unusual sounds, there’s likely something wrong with the boiler itself.
If a homeowner suspects a problem with their boiler, the best thing to do is to call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly. In most cases, boilers can be repaired rather than replaced. However, if the boiler is old or damaged beyond repair, then homeowners may need to have it replaced.
Professional Boiler Maintenance Tips
Boilers are like any other piece of equipment. They need maintenance to keep them in service year after year. With routine boiler maintenance from a qualified technician, homeowners can expect these systems to last for decades, generally longer than any other type of heating system. To accomplish this longevity, professionals that provide boiler maintenance services will do things like:
- Clean the burner and flame sensor
- Look for leaks
- Test safety devices
- Test water for proper pH to prevent corrosion
- Bleed air from the system
- Flush the boiler
About Retro Hot Water & Heating
Retro Hot Water & Heating is a local, family-owned company serving Bay Shore, NY, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day services, and convenient financing. Call them today for boiler services in Bay Shore, NY.