Tag: better

Get to Know the Home's Boiler Better

Three Things Homeowners Might Not Know About Their Boilers 

A home’s boiler plays an important role; it heats the house even during the coldest months of the year. However, there are many things about these systems that homeowners may not know––which can be critical to a properly working system or help them decide on their next heater replacement. 

Some things to know about owning and operating a boiler include: 

Many Boilers Don’t Boil Water 

boilThere’s a good reason why boilers have their names. When boilers were invented in the 1860s, they boiled water, then heated homes using hot water vapor. For many years, the basic design remained the same. That is until engineers came up with safer, alternative ways of designing these appliances. 

Now, most boilers operate using a heat exchanger instead of boiling water. Instead of boiling water in a storage tank, the boiler’s pipes heat water, sending that heat to various parts of the home. There are many advantages that modern-day boilers have over their older counterparts. Because many heat water on demand, they don’t rely on tanks, making them more energy efficient. They also offer more flexibility when it comes to their purchase and installation. 

Boilers Offer an Eco-Friendly Option 

Boilers, especially those certified by EnergyStar, offer an eco-friendly home heating option. EnergyStar reports that its boilers have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 87 percent or more for oil boilers and 90 percent or more for gas boilers. An AFUE score measures how efficiently an appliance operates. 

The higher a boiler’s AFUE score, the higher the initial purchase cost may be. However, homeowners will save over time because of the lower utility costs to run it. Some energy-efficient boilers also qualify for tax credits and rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act so homeowners can save even more. This makes installation more affordable and allows homeowners to start seeing the benefit of a green boiler almost instantly.  

Low Boiler Pressure Affects Efficiency 

billBoilers need adequate pressure to operate correctly. When the boiler pressure inside the appliance is low, it may not heat the home as well as it could. It could also: 

  • Shorten the boiler’s lifespan 
  • Lead to higher energy bills 
  • Increase the risk of problems to the system 
  • Lead to poor indoor air quality 
  • Lead to uneven heating throughout the home 

It’s crucial to get routine maintenance from a professional to prevent low pressure and other issues with a boiler. 

About RCL Mechanical 

RCL Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated business serving Taunton, MA, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, financing, and 24/7 availability. Call them today for boiler services in Taunton, MA. 

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Getting to Know the Boiler Better for Valentine's Day

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Boilers

Many homeowners don’t think about their boilers unless boiler service is needed or it’s not acting the most optimally or efficiently. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge or unpreparedness can lead to expensive repairs because of ignored warning signs of potential issues. Knowing what to look for and who to call for boiler repair when a unit is experiencing minor issues helps prevent major problems later on.

Do Boilers Boil Water?

Technician working on a boilerThe boiler is the center of the home’s central heating system. Hot water boilers heat water between 140-180 degrees and then push the heated water throughout the house. Steam boilers boil water beyond the boiling point until the water becomes steam, used to heat the home.

A valve connected to the boiler opens when the unit is running, gas is released into a sealed combustion chamber, and an ignition system is ignited to burn the fuel. Hot jets linked to a heat exchanger transfer heat from the ignited fuel to water that flows over the exchanger. An electric pump then takes the heated water, pushes it out to radiators, and taps throughout the house.

Are Boilers An Eco-Friendly Heating Option?

eco friendly

Residential boilers are closed systems that continuously recycle water. Modern boilers are more cost-effective and efficient than previous models. Homeowners should look for units with a 90% or higher efficiency rating based on the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. Residential units should have an Energy-Star designation.

The best boiler installation technicians will properly size the unit to meet the household's needs and current configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal use.

What Impacts a Boiler’s Efficiency?

A boiler that drops below a certain water pressure threshold will likely not cause damage to the central heating system or boiler but will impact the household's quality of life. Most boilers have a visible gauge on the unit and an indicator with a minimum safe pressure range.

Gas boilers can be connected straight to a gas main for continuous fuel usage or have Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders that need periodic refilling. It is the most commonly installed boiler because it is the cheapest option available.

Oil boilers operate similarly but require an oil tank storage near the boiler and consistent oil deliveries from a local company. This option is not as eco-friendly but tends to be more fuel-efficient.

Electric boilers don’t burn fuel but instead use electric elements to transfer heat to the water in the boiler. It is often the least efficient unit and the most expensive to run due to the higher cost of electricity in most municipalities.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical focuses on building exceptional relationships through exceptional customer service in Taunton, Bristol County, and the South Shore Region. Trusted technicians are available 24/7 to assist with boiler installation, maintenance plans, and minor repairs in Taunton, MA.

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