What is a boiler?

January 20, 2015

The chilliest months of winter Jefferson City typically find us with more service and repair calls, some of which result in homeowners requiring new heating systems. You can find a variety of home heating products on the market, from furnaces to boilers. Many people haven’t heard much about boilers. If you’re one of them, we have some information for you.

Types of boilers

Boilers are made in both steam and hot water models. Both supply heat throughout a home using either a radiant system that uses a boiler to heat water, or through forced air heating systems.

Steam boilers

Steam boilers are kind of like big kettles. They boil water until the steam builds up to create enough pressure to push heat to radiators across your home. The heat is released into your rooms by air moving across the radiators. The cycle continues when the steam then cools and condenses to water, which then goes back to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are typically fueled with natural gas or propane.

Hot water boilers

Like steam boilers, hot water boilers circulate warmth throughout your home, but with hot water in place of steam. When the water reaches your desired temperature, it is forced through the radiant system. Gas is usually used to power water boilers, however, you will discover oil-fired boilers in New England and the Northeast United States.

Benefits of boilers for home heating

A lot of people are partial to boilers because of their exceptionally quiet operation. In fact, it’s difficult to hear a boiler running at all unless it needs repair. They are also known for providing comfortable and even heat because of the design of the system with pipes installed behind the walls or under the floors. Boilers can also provide relief, in non-forced air heating systems, to allergy suffers because they don’t blow air around and spread allergens.

Even though they can be pricier than furnaces, several people find that boilers are the perfect heating system for them. If you want more information about high-efficiency boilers in Jefferson City, look to Stieferman Heating Company Inc. Call us at 573-635-3547 or schedule an appointment with us online.