Boilers, Hot Water Heaters and How They Heat Your Home
When homeowners think of heating, a trusty furnace is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But plumbing appliances like your hot water heater and even boilers are just as useful. Your hot water heater is vital for laundry or bathing, while boilers can be powerful solutions for residential heating. With a skilled team of installers and service technicians, HomeServe of Brooklyn/Queens can help make the most of these appliances.
Let’s go over how these two systems are designed. You can make the right decision when it’s time to schedule boiler installation of your own. And when you need any sort of boiler repair, give us a call at (833) 843-7316.
How Does a Boiler Heat an Entire Home?
While furnaces are often the go-to heating system these days, boilers are frequently good options too. You can still find them in old houses by way of standing or baseboard radiators. Contemporary boilers are making a comeback thanks to technological innovations.
When the temperature drops beneath your desired settings, the boiler starts heating water for distribution throughout the house. Built-in zone valves direct the water to each radiator using a powerful circulating pump. But now, boilers can also work with contemporary HVAC ductwork. A hot water coil is placed in the air ducts, heating the air by convection before it circulates through your ventilation system.
Most boilers have hot water limits ranging between 180 to 200 degrees (F). To keep the entire supply at useable temperatures, the circulator will keep pumping water until the coldest water has made its way back to the system. Maintaining the pressure of this system is best at around 30 pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge found on the boiler enables you to check both the pressure and the water’s temperature.
Other key components include the air scoop, water feeder, expansion tank and relief valve:
- The air scoop, also known as an air separator or air purge, removes any air bubbles trapped in the water. Clearing the air bubbles limits noise and keeps air-bound radiation from impacting the system’s efficiency.
- Automatic water feeders continue to add water when needed to keep the system full, lowering the risk of problems.
- The expansion tank removes and stores excess water generated throughout the heating process.
- Lastly, a relief valve keeps the water pressure at safe/efficient levels. If it isn’t working right, you risk overheating the system or overloading it with water.
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First Up: How Do Traditional Water Heaters Work?
For the most part, a hot water heater consists of a large storage tank with built-in heating elements. Water kept inside the tank is kept hot until you need hot water somewhere else in the house. The water is heated to your desired temperature before being sent to the faucet or appliance that needs it. For safety and efficiency, the water heater’s thermostat should be set between 120 and 140°F. This lowers the risk of scalding or bacterial growth.
On the other hand, tankless water heaters are comparatively new and don’t use a storage tank, as the name suggests. Instead, it starts heating water as it arrives from your main water line. This can be very cost-effective since you’re not constantly heating a lot of water like you would with a standard tank water heater.
Five Signs Your Boiler May Need Professional Service
Call a trained boiler repair technician if you’re noticing any of the following signs:
1
The burner is noisy or emits a smoky odor:
These burner problems often point back to trouble with the combustion process. A technician will check the burner assembly itself along with the air and fuel supply lines.
Constant air sounds:
A loud and disruptive boiler often starts with air trapped somewhere in the system, affecting efficiency. While most of the time it’s due to air pockets in the pipes, there might be a problem with the circulation pump.
2
3
Water leaking out from the relief valve:
A leaky valve can mean that the water pressure inside your boiler is too high. This may be a problem with the valve itself or a faulty expansion tank.
Water leaking from the boiler’s piping connections:
Leaks at the piping connections are most likely because of damaged seals, joints or connections in the system. Addressing these leaks early prevents further damage and loss of efficiency.
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5
A burning or smell of gas:
The odor of natural gas or something burning should be taken seriously. There could be fuel leaking from the fuel supply line or something in the burner assembly is malfunctioning. Prompt service ensures safety and minimizes the chance of a fire.
Whether you’re looking to resolve a problem or you’re thinking about an upgrade, HomeServe of Brooklyn/Queens can help.
We offer quality repair and installation services for both hot water heaters and boilers, and our experienced staff will do whatever they can to keep these appliances in the best possible shape. Contact us at (833) 843-7316 to schedule an appointment.
We service a wide range of makes and models, so give us a call today!
Save Even More with Special Offers
A complete sense of comfort shouldn’t be out of anyone’s budget. HomeServe of Brooklyn/Queens lightens the load with seasonal promotions, discounts and other special offers. These offers help lower costs for key services, new equipment or whatever else you need for your comfort and peace of mind. Check out our current offers for more details on how to save.
Committed to Comfort from the Very Start
While a long history of service is impressive, nothing is more important to customer satisfaction than a dedication to total comfort. HomeServe of Brooklyn/Queens considers your peace of mind our top priority, and that hasn’t changed since we first opened our doors. Learn more about our history, and how our communities support us just as much as we support you.
