Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s winter again in Mount Pleasant. The frostiest months of winter can bring about more service and repair calls, which often results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are various products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s explore.

Different Designs 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 all of the rooms in a home.

Steam Boilers

You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is directed to radiators all over your home. Creating more steam heightens 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 goes to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are primarily powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers operate similarly but circulate hot water throughout your home instead of steam. When you increase the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has met your perfect temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not traditionally used outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Using a Boiler

Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you most likely won’t hear a boiler working at all unless there’s something wrong 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 benefit is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping decrease the allergens in the air.

Selecting the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they can be more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to find out more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Mount Pleasant, give Olde Towne Heating & Air a call at 843-485-0967.