Types of Boilers

Types of Boilers

Boilers are one of the most common home heating systems especially in older houses in the Northeast and other cold-climate areas. Boilers are the appliances that heat water, and then distribute hot steam or hot water along a series of pipes throughout the home. Steam is sent to radiators, and hot water flows to radiators or radiant heating systems. Boilers are powered by natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity or a biodiesel-oil blend. New systems are very energy efficient.

Types of Boilers

Boilers are also known as central heating systems because the equipment is in a central location, and the heat is spread throughout the home. But unlike other heating methods, there’s usually a gap in time between the boiler starting and the heat being distributed.

Most boilers produce steam or hot water using natural gas or heating oil, and all are either condensing or non-condensing. Boilers are required by the federal government to be at least 80 percent efficient. Some boiler can have efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. All boiler types usually last 15 to 30 years.

Gas-Fired Boilers

Gas-fired boilers are fueled by either natural gas or propane, and are highly efficient. Natural gas is not available everywhere though, and some homeowners at the end of a gas pipeline pay higher fuel prices. Propane is generally more expensive than natural gas, but it’s more available than natural gas.

Oil-Fired Boilers

Oil-fired boilers are common in areas that have limited access to natural gas. If you have an oil-fired boiler, you’ll need to have heating oil delivered and stored in tanks, and your operating costs will depend on the rise and fall of oil prices.

Some boiler companies now offer models that burn biodiesel fuel, which produces less pollution than regular heating oil. Depending on oil prices, biodiesel heating oil can be less expensive with standard oil. However, because it burns cleaner and lubricates the system, biodiesel fuel can also reduce your boiler service and cleaning costs.

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers are highly energy efficient. But they’re usually not economical because electricity costs are higher than other fuel types in many parts of the country. You may also consider a heat pump if you choose and electric heater.