Can Boilers Be Used for HVAC?

It’s cold again in Chelan and Wenatchee. The iciest months of winter seem to bring about more service and repair calls, which often results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a number of products on the market that will heat your home. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s explore.

Types 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 every room in a home.

Steam Models

You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is directed to radiators throughout your home. Generating 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 returns to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are usually powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

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

Benefits of Using a Boiler

Boilers are known for their virtually soundless operation. In fact, you probably won’t hear a boiler working 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 offer a more comfortable and even heat. Another bonus is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce 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 hear more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Chelan and Wenatchee, give Lakeside Heating & Air a call at 509-284-4265.