Interesting Boiler Facts & Addressing Common Myths

Boilers have been around since the late 1800s, and boiler technology has changed a lot since then. What once used coal and wood to produce power and heat now uses oil and natural gas, operating at much greater efficiency.

Newer boilers add much more to a home than they did 150 years ago. Unfortunately, not many people know anything about boilers beyond those systems of the old days. In light of that knowledge deficit, we will dispel some myths and share some intriguing boiler facts to keep you up to date.

If you need boiler repair in Grafton, WI, call Professional Services at (262) 218-2636. We are your Grafton HVAC service specialists.

Common Myths About Boilers

Many myths about boilers go back decades, when boiler manufacturers didn’t have the standards they do today. Older boilers were unreliable, inefficient, and didn’t use sustainable methods in their manufacturing or day-to-day operation. Modern boilers are unrecognizable compared to those old boilers.

Myth #1 | Boilers Are Expensive

Many people think boilers are too expensive for their homes. While they are costly to install, they are very cheap in the long run. Because of how newer boilers operate, they are much more affordable than older boilers.

Myth #2 | Boilers Are Inefficient

Manufacturers did not insulate older boilers well, and much of the heat produced by them dissipated due to these poor system flaws. Newer boilers do not have this problem.

One of the lesser-known boiler facts is that a modern boiler is 95% efficient. That means they use 95% of their fuel in heat production, compared to the 50%-60% efficiency of older boilers.

Myth #3 | Boilers Are Unreliable

This myth arises from many problems already addressed. The inefficiency of older boilers made them poor heaters for the home, and they were constantly breaking down due to poor manufacturing. Some even say that the new technology is not old enough to trust.

The truth is that boilers have come a long way. The technology has improved exponentially in the last 20 years because manufacturers and service technicians addressed problems as they arose. Now, boilers are as reliable as any other heater, if not more.

Most of the reliability of a machine comes from how well you take care of it. It is best to service any heaters or air conditioners at least once a year to check for any issues. Such services will catch most problems before they arise.

Myth #4 | Boilers Make Indoor Air Humid

Many people believe that boilers make the air inside of your home more humid than other forms of heating. This myth is simply untrue. A boiler is a completely enclosed system. All the water in the system stays within the system. No moisture should escape the lines. Boilers add heat to the air, not steam. A properly running boiler will produce heat as dry as any other heating system.

If water is leaking out of your boiler system and making the air humid or simply dripping out of the lines, call Professional Services for a repair immediately. The system needs serious attention.

Boiler Facts

Only about 6% of homes in the United States have a boiler. Because boilers are rare in homes, few people know much about them. With that in mind, here are some facts about boilers that will help you understand their characteristics.

Boilers Don’t Always Boil Water

Some boilers, known as steam boilers, do boil water, but most modern boilers installed in a home don’t actually boil the water in the system. These boilers are much more efficient.

The lower the temperature of the water, the more efficient the system. Water heated to about 60 or 70 degrees is all a boiler requires to heat your home. This lower temperature will provide a comfortable atmosphere inside your home and lower your power bill substantially.

Boilers Need High Water Pressure

Your boiler won’t function properly if the water pressure isn’t high enough. The water must be at least 15 PSI for your boiler to perform at peak ability. If your boiler isn’t running as efficiently as you would like, check to ensure your water pressure is high enough.

Low water pressure is a relatively easy fix compared to buying a new boiler. Check to see whether that’s the problem before considering a new boiler.

New Boilers Are Cheaper To Operate

The efficiency of newer boiler systems makes them a great way to save money. Because they are so much better at using fuel, the cost to run them is much lower. Consider upgrading to a newer system if your older boiler costs you too much money to run. The cost over time will lower dramatically.

Boilers Operate Using Simple Physics

Boilers use the properties of water to help with their efficiency. The flame heats the water, and hot water rises to the top of the tank. The heated water flows through the lines in your house, heating your home. The cold water returns, falling to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated and pushed back through the pipes.

The water moves continuously, heating your home until the boiler turns off or reaches the desired temperature.

Boilers in Your Home

Hopefully, discussing common myths about boilers and boiler facts has helped paint a clearer picture of how they operate and their benefits. If you are building a new home, consider installing a boiler system. It will heat your home better than a forced-air system while operating at a much lower price. If your old boiler gives you problems or routinely costs you money, upgrading to a new boiler is more efficient and will dramatically lower your power bill.

Your boiler should be serviced and maintained once a year, preferably in the fall before cold temperatures hit. You can learn more about boiler system maintenance here. Call Professional Services at (262) 218-2636 if your boiler needs servicing or if you are thinking about installing a new boiler system.