Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s that time of year again in Cambridge. The frostiest months of winter can bring about more service and repair calls, which usually results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a variety of products on the market that will heat your home. 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 takes either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to each room in a home.

Steam Models

You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to create steam, which is transported to radiators all over your home. Generating more steam amplifies 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 usually powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers work similarly but circulate hot water all over your home instead of steam. When you boost the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has met 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 Using a Boiler

Boilers are known for their nearly soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler operating at all unless there’s a problem with the system. And, because radiant systems use pipes that are installed in the walls or floor, boilers can give you a more comfortable and even heat. Another perk is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping decrease the allergens in the air.

Choosing the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they may be more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to learn more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Cambridge, give Pliescott HVAC Services LLC a call at 410-228-4822.