Boilers, Hot Water Heaters and How They Work
When homeowners think of staying warm, a trusty furnace is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But plumbing appliances like your hot water heater and even boilers are just as valuable. Your hot water heater is vital for cooking and cleaning, while boilers can be highly effective solutions for residential heating. With a skilled team of installers and service technicians, HomeServe can help make the most of these appliances.
Let’s go over how both systems are designed. You can make a well-informed decision when it’s time to schedule boiler installation of your own. And if you need help with any type of boiler repair, give us a call at 888-246-2610.
How Does Home Heating with a Boiler Work?
While furnaces are often the go-to heating system these days, boilers are commonly used options too. You can still find them in homes with vintage charm by way of standing or baseboard radiators. Modern boilers are making a return thanks to innovative innovations.
When the temperature falls below your current settings, the boiler starts heating water for distribution throughout the house. Various zone valves guide the water to each radiator using a powerful circulating pump. But now, boilers are also compatible with conventional HVAC ductwork. A hot water coil is placed in the air ducts, heating the air with convection before it circulates through the rest of the ductwork.
Most boilers maintain the water’s temperature 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. Maintaining the pressure of this system is best at around 30 pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge found on the boiler allows you to check both the pressure and the water’s temperature.
Other key components include the air scoop, water feeder, expansion tank and relief valve:
- The air scoop, also called an air separator or air purge, clears out the air bubbles suspended in the water. This helps with noise and prevents air-bound radiation from impacting the system’s efficiency.
- Automatic water feeders will add water whenever necessary to keep the system full, lowering the risk of problems.
- The expansion tank removes and stores excess water generated by the heating process.
- Lastly, having a relief value is crucial for keeping the water pressure at safe/efficient levels. Without it, you risk overheating the system or putting excessive strain on it.
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First Up: How Do Traditional Water Heaters Work?
For the most part, a hot water heater consists of a large storage tank with built-in heating elements. Water kept inside the tank is continuously heated until you need hot water somewhere else in the house. The water is heated to your preferred 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 lowers the risk of scalding or bacterial growth.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters are comparatively new and lack the storage tank, as the name suggests. Rather, it starts heating water as it arrives from the water main. This can be very environmentally friendly since you’re not constantly heating a lot of water like you would with a conventional tank water heater.
Five Signs Your Boiler May Need Professional Service
Contact a qualified boiler repair technician if you recognize any of the following signs:
1
The burner is noisy or smells like smoke:
These burner problems often point back to a malfunction in the combustion process. Your technican should inspect the burner assembly itself along with the air and fuel supply lines.
Excessive air noises:
A loud and disruptive boiler can be a frequent sign of air trapped somewhere in the system, reducing efficiency. While most of the time these air pockets are in the pipes, there may also be something wrong with the circulation pump.
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3
Water dripping from the relief valve:
A leaky valve can mean that the water pressure inside your boiler is too high. This may be a problem with the valve itself or that there’s something wrong with the expansion tank.
Water dripping from any nearby piping connections:
Leaks at the piping connections are most likely because of damaged seals, joints or connections in the system. Sealing up these leaks early prevents further damage and loss of efficiency.
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A burning or gas smell:
The smell of natural gas or something burning is a concerning sign. There could be fuel leaking from the fuel supply line or damage to the burner assembly. Prompt service ensures safety and minimizes the chance of a fire.
Whether you’re looking to resolve a problem or you’re considering an upgrade, HomeServe can help.
We offer expert service for both hot water heaters and boilers, and our seasoned staff will make sure yours is in the best possible shape. Reach out to us at 888-246-2610 to schedule an appointment.
We service all makes and models, so call today!
Save Even More with Special Offers
A complete sense of comfort shouldn’t be out of anyone’s budget. HomeServe 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 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.
