How Does a Boiler Heat Your Home?

December 20, 2022
Boiler in Hayden, ID

Many homeowners in Hayden, ID use boilers for heating their homes and water. Since the system plays such a vital role in the home’s heating, it is essential to understand how it works.

The Basics of How Boilers Heat a House

Boilers use a heating source, like gas, oil, propane, or electricity, to heat water and circulate it through piping and radiator circuits. Depending on its design, the boiler will release steam or hot water via pipes connecting to radiators in different parts of your home.

As the steam or hot water travels through the thick metal radiator tubes, they distribute heat to each room with a radiator. Once it cools, the water travels back to the heating vessel through a pipe system. The process is repeated for continued heating in your home.

The Inner Workings of Oil and Gas Boilers

A gas boiler provides fuel via a gas valve to a sealed combustion chamber. An electrical ignition is used to combust the gas, creating heat. A pipe that carries cold water absorbs the heat and raises the temperature of the water to around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This water travels through the radiators in your home to keep the indoor climate warm. Oil boilers follow a similar process, with the difference being that it uses oil instead of gas to provide heating.

The Inner Workings of Electric Boilers

Electric boilers use electricity instead of combustible fossil fuel. They are 100% efficient, meaning that for 1 kW of electricity, you get 1 kW of heat. These units operate by running water through a heating element. Once the water is heated, it travels to the rest of your home and warms it to your desired temperature. Electric boilers benefit from reduced maintenance costs, a lower carbon footprint, and increased safety because no combustible fuel is used.

Enjoying Reliable HVAC in Hayden

Border Sheet Metal & Heating is a reliable HVAC company. We are proud to have NATE-certified technicians and an A+ Better Business Bureau accreditation. The countless awards we have won over our 50+ years in operation are evidence of the quality of service we offer.

Our services include HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We offer heat pumps, garage heaters, and boilers. We install ductless mini-splits and work in commercial and residential environments. Contact Border Sheet Metal & Heating today to see why our quality of work makes a difference.

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