How Are Boilers an HVAC System?

It’s that time of year again in Shamokin and Sunbury. The coldest months of winter tend to bring about more service and repair calls, which usually results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are various products on the market that will ensure you’re warm. 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 uses either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to each room in a home.

Steam Models

Think of boilers as a teapot. These systems boil water to generate steam, which is transported to radiators all over 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 relieve the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and heads back to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are primarily powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers operate similarly but circulate hot water around your home instead of steam. When you turn up the heat, water begins to warm up and is transported through the radiant system when it has met your perfect temperature. Water boilers can be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not commonly used 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 something wrong 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 benefit is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping reduce the allergens in the air.

Picking the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they can 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 Shamokin and Sunbury, give LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. a call at 570-648-0748.