If you just bought a house in the northeast, chances are it gets heat from a residential boiler. While furnaces are more popular in the Midwest and western United States, residential boilers tend to dominate both new and existing homes out east.
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You may benefit from a home boiler if:
If the above sounds like you, then read the following guide to get started on your boiler buying journey.
A residential boiler works by using hot water or steam to heat a home. The hot water or steam flows through piping to radiators throughout the building. The radiators transfer the heat to the room, providing warmth.
Here are more specifics on the different types, or mediums, of boilers.
In steam boilers, a boiler furnace heats water until it becomes steam. The steam then naturally flows via supply pipes to radiators in different rooms of the house, providing heat. Eventually, the hot steam cools and reverts into water before flowing through return pipes back to the boiler where the process starts again.
Steam boilers are often identifiable by a sight glass, which is a small glass tube partially filled with water. You can also check your radiators to see if they have an air vent, which is another sign that you have a steam boiler.
Because they are among the oldest boiler medium, steam boilers are often necessary when renovating historic homes if you want to keep that vintage look and feel. They also provide higher outputs of heat than hydronic boilers but cost more to run.
Hydronic boilers use a fuel source to heat water to a designated temperature and then manually pump it to radiator panels around the home. They require less energy than steam boilers and have become more common in modern homes.
You can often identify a hydronic boiler by a circulator pump. Unlike steam, which naturally expands throughout the piping system, water needs a “push.” A circulator pump provides that push and distributes the hot water around your home.
Hydronic boilers also require an expansion tank. As water becomes hot, it expands and adds pressure. The expansion tank relieves the added pressure from expanding water so that the system doesn’t burst.
You can also use a hydronic boiler in combination with an indirect water heater for greater efficiency. The hot water from the boiler circulates to a coil in the indirect water heater and heats the domestic water for your shower, dishes, etc.
An emerging type of water boiler is a combination boiler and hot water heater. These units provide both water for central heating and domestic hot water. The domestic hot water side never mixes with the central heating side to avoid contamination.
Combination boilers are highly efficient and save you money on installation and space. However, they are not designed for large homes or heavy demand.
Residential boiler systems require a fuel source to heat the water. There are four main boiler fuel sources:
A home boiler system's efficiency is determined by its annual fuel utilization efficiency percentage or AFUE. The percentage indicates how much of the boiler’s energy is converted into useable heat.
For example, a boiler with an AFUE of 90% converts 90% of its energy into heat and 10% is wasted as exhaust. Steam boilers are among the least efficient, typically with AFUE ratings of between 80% and 90%. Condensing hydronic boilers are the most efficient with AFUE ratings well into the 90th percentile.
A condensing boiler is so efficient because it recycles additional heat from the exhaust gases to preheat incoming water. As a result, the exhaust gases are cooler and allow for less-expensive venting to be used, such as PVC.
The higher your boiler’s AFUE, the more you will save in energy use over time, although upfront costs will most likely be higher. High efficiency or condensing boilers will also qualify you for incentives and rebates from certain utilities and localities.
Another aspect of residential boiler system efficiency and performance is whether it modulates heat output. A single-stage boiler provides only one output of heat, meaning it’s either off or running at full power. This can lead to uncomfortable swings in temperature and short-cycling, which is when the boiler turns on and off repeatedly, causing wasted energy and unnecessary wear and tear.
A modulating boiler can operate across a range of heat outputs. It will use the lowest heat setting possible to keep you comfortable, saving energy and providing consistent temperatures throughout the day.
There are three options for venting exhaust gases from a residential boiler: chimney, power, and direct venting.
Sizing a new residential boiler depends on the heat output (measured in BTUs) you need to effectively warm your home. This requires a Manual J Load calculation done by a professional, especially if you are switching to a higher-efficiency model.
If you are simply replacing an existing boiler with one of the same efficiency and size, locate the output ratings on the old boiler's heating plate or sticker. Many boilers were oversized in the past, so it's possible you can go a size smaller, but you should check with a professional to confirm.
A boiler's costs take into account both upfront and long-term expenses. Boiler medium, AFUE, output, venting, and local labor rates all impact upfront costs. On the other hand, efficiency and fuel type can impact lifetime costs.
For example, a 95% AFUE condensing hot water boiler may cost more upfront than an 81% AFUE steam boiler, but it will likely save you on monthly heating bills. Alternatively, if you choose a fuel type that is expensive in your area, you will likely negate any savings you would have otherwise enjoyed.
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When it comes to maintenance, it is important to have a professional inspect your boiler once a year, preferably right before the heating season. This will ensure there are no gas leaks and that you're getting the proper heat output.
AC Wholesalers has a wide selection of hot water and steam boilers available with various heat outputs, fuel types, and AFUE ratings. Now that you understand how boilers work and the different options you have, feel free to browse our inventory.
Of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to walk you through the selection process and go into further detail on what to consider.
From how to choose a boiler for your home to how different boiler systems affect your heating costs, we’re here to guide you to worry-free warmth. After all, a happy home is a warm home.
Did you know that heating and cooling can account for half of your annual energy costs? That’s right, keeping comfy isn’t cheap. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends over $2,000 annually on energy bills, with heating accounting for a significant portion. But fear not. Choosing the right boiler for your home can help you save some serious dough while keeping Jack Frost at bay.
Residential boiler systems work differently from forced-air systems like furnaces. Instead of heating air and blowing it through ducts, boilers heat water and circulate it through pipes to radiators or radiant floor systems. This method of heat distribution often results in more consistent warmth and can be more energy-efficient in many cases.
Boilers come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s break down the most common types as a part of our guide to choosing a new boiler:
Gas-fired boilers are some of the most efficient steam boilers on the market. But not every neighborhood has access to natural gas, so check your options before you fall in love. If natural gas is available in your area, it's often the most cost-effective fuel choice due to its relatively low price and high efficiency.
When natural gas plays hard to get, oil-fired boilers step up to the plate. If you buy an oil-fired boiler, you’ll need to have heating oil regularly delivered to your home. This heating oil must also be stored in tanks until needed. Just keep in mind that your wallet might feel the pinch when oil prices rise and impact your heating costs from year to year.
Electric boilers are super efficient, as they don't lose heat through venting. They're also compact, quiet, and don't produce emissions in your home. However, they might not be the most budget-friendly option. The operating costs of electric boilers can be higher in regions with expensive electricity rates, so it's essential to consider both the upfront cost and long-term operating expenses.
While less common in modern homes, the residential steam boiler still has its place, especially in older residences. These systems heat water until it turns to steam, which then rises through pipes to radiators throughout the home. When considering how to choose a boiler for your home, remember that steam boilers can be efficient and effective, but they often require more maintenance than hot water boilers.
When deciding what boiler is best for your home, consider the following factors: the boiler's size, venting requirements, and energy efficiency. This guide to choosing a new boiler will help you navigate these important considerations.
Want to save on heating costs? Choosing the right boiler for your home involves more than just crunching energy bill numbers. It's about finding the perfect balance between heating capacity and efficiency. Too small, and you’ll be left shivering. Too big, and you’ll be burning money.
Boiler capacity is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. To estimate BTU requirements for your home's interior spaces, use the following baselines for your calculations:
So, how much is a boiler for a 2,000-square-foot house? Let’s take a look:
Remember, these are ballpark figures. For a perfect fit, consult with a Pro who can assess your home's unique needs.
Residential boilers must be vented. If you have chimney access in a closed-in area of your home, you can locate your boiler there. However, if the boiler requires its own forced-air venting system, you will need to locate it in an open area of your home so it can gather air for venting purposes. Understanding venting requirements is crucial when learning how to choose a boiler for your home.
An EnergyStar rating on your boiler means it meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and is therefore an energy-efficient boiler, saving you money. Look for an oil boiler with at least an 80 percent rating or a gas boiler that runs at 89 to 98 percent efficiency. Boilers that use electricity normally run at 100 percent efficiency because they lose no energy to venting. Electric boilers are an especially attractive option if you live in a region where electricity costs are low. Energy efficiency is a key factor in determining the best residential boilers for your needs.
In a standard boiler, some of the heat required to boil water and produce steam is lost as the fuel is burned and converted to energy. Modern, high-efficiency boilers have been designed to trap any escaping heat and direct it back into the boiler system itself.
Low-efficiency boilers tend to experience high levels of heat loss, requiring more fuel to do the work of an efficient system. Most boilers that are over 10 years old have efficiency ratings of just 50 to 70 percent. That means between 30 and 50 percent of the fuel used to heat your house is wasted. Besides saving on fuel costs, a high-efficiency boiler is also more environmentally friendly because it uses less fuel and creates less pollution.
The Federal Trade Commission requires that new boilers display their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating so that consumers can adequately compare units. These boiler ratings are:
Understanding these ratings is crucial when determining how to choose a boiler for your home that meets your efficiency needs.
Even the best residential boilers need a little TLC. That’s where American Home Shield comes in. We’ve got your back with our comprehensive home warranty plans, including coverage for heating systems.
Why stress about unexpected breakdowns when you can be worry-free? Check out our heating system coverage and HVAC upgrade program to keep your home happy and warm.
Ready to boost your boiler know-how even further? Our residential boiler maintenance guide is packed with tips to keep your system running smoothly.
Remember, a well-chosen and well-maintained boiler is your ticket to worry-free warmth. So go ahead, toast that toasty home of yours. With American Home Shield, you can focus on living your best life while we take care of covered breakdowns. Now that's something to feel good about!
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