It’s winter again in Mobile. The coldest months of winter seem to bring about more service and repair calls, which sometimes results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a number 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 every room in a home.

Steam Models

Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to generate steam, which is directed to radiators throughout your home. Producing more steam amplifies the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to release the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and returns 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 throughout your home instead of steam. When you turn up the heat, water begins to warm up and is transported through the radiant system when it has achieved your perfect temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not traditionally utilized outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler

Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler running 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 give you a more comfortable and even heat. Another bonus is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce the allergens in the air.

Selecting 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 hear more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Mobile, give Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc a call at 251-471-2674.