Boiler systems can be powered by several different methods like gas, propane, oil and electricity. The boiler system is considered one of the most effiencet and cost effective method in home heating systems. The region you're located and availability of the heat source will have a play in which heat source is actually chosen.
Typically, boilers are of two types, water and steam. In the water boiler, the water is heated in the boiler then circulated through pipes by pumps. The hot water then causes a radiator to warm, giving off warm air in the room. Once the water cools, it is then pumped back to the boiler. The same principle is also applied to floor heating systems. The water is heated somewhere between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water boiler is considered more energy efficient and kinder to the pocket book. Additionally most agree the hot water boiler provides more even heat and provides for better health since the duct system and air blowers are not needed which cuts down on dust and pollens. In addition, they are quieter in operation.
The steam boilers are most often found in older homes. These steam boilers are powered by gas, oil or electricity. The boilers usually have pressure gauges and blow off valves to prevent explosions. The steam is created in the boiler and propelled through pipes to the radiator. As the steam cools, it turns to water and returns to the boiler. Many times when the steam first hits the pipes or is returning to the boiler as water you hear a hammering or banging. This is from the change in temperature of the pipes.
A relatively new type of boiler is the condensing boiler, which helps to reduce heat waste. They can convert up to 90 percent of its fuel to heat. Still using the water boiler, the condensing boiler provides for more energy efficient heat.
Choosing a system may depend upon what sort of heating is already in place. If a hot water boiler were already installed, it would probably be wise and save money to replace the system with another hot water boiler. Upgrading the system to a condensing boiler would be a safe bet and one proven to help improve those heating bills. After deciding which type of heating system to use, you have to consider the amount of space to be heated. Too small a system will not provide adequate heat. Install a system too large and heating cost will be higher.
Are you in the market for a home heating system? If you are, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options that are currently available in the market. So how do you go about choosing the right home heating system? Should you base your decision based on price alone? Maybe not. Here are some tips on how to choose the right home heating system.
Before looking at the options available, the very first thing that you should do is to be clear about your own needs. Will you be using the system temporarily? Or will you be using the system only at certain parts of your home? This will help narrow the scope.
Next, there is the consideration of budget and energy costs. Usually, more energy efficient systems may cost a little bit more upfront, but they lead to cost savings in the long run. Cheaper systems may cost less now, but the energy efficiency is not that great. You will have to weigh your options and select the right balance between price and long time cost savings.
As you are probably aware, there are many different ways you can keep your home warm when the weather is cold. Some of these methods include solar heat, radiant heat, hydronic heat, and geothermal heat. You don't need to know how each of these systems are setup in depth, but it will be helpful if you can understand the basic concepts behind each method. That's because each method has got its own energy implications. When you understand how the system works, and how the heat is generated and transfered to the home, you will know which system to choose.
Solar heat - Energy from the sun is abundantly available. That means less reliance of electricity and greater cost savings. Large solar panels are setup to absorb solar energy during the day. The energy is then stored in a mechanism, converted to electricity, and eventually heat.
Radiant heat - The problem with many heating systems is that there is energy loss when the heat is transferred into the home. Radiant heating systems involve the use of ducts or pipes to efficiently transfer heat to the floors, walls, or ceilings of the home. Air or water can be used as the medium for transporting heat. There are different types of radiant heating heatings. In general, air heating systems are more costly compared to water heating systems.
Hydronic heat - Hydronic heating system is a type of radiant heating system. To be more specific, it uses water as the main medium to transfer heat to other parts of the home. Boilers are used to heat up the water, and the water than travels through pipes or ducts to warm the house up.
Geothermal heat - Geothermal heating systems draw heat from the ground. During cold weather, heat is trapped deep beneath the ground surface. The system runs water through pipes that are embedded deep underground to draw heat. Since there is unlimited amount of heat energy in the ground, you can expect this system to be highly cost effective.