Plumber performing boiler repairs

Boilers, Hot Water Heaters and How They Heat Your Home

When most people think of a heater, a reliable furnace is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But plumbing appliances like your hot water heater and even boilers are just as useful. Your hot water heater helps with tasks like cooking and cleaning, while boilers can be highly effective solutions for residential heating. With a professional team of installers and service technicians, Wyant Heating & Aircan help make the most of these appliances.

Let’s find out how both systems are designed. You can make a more informed decision when it’s time to schedule boiler installation of your own. And when you need any sort of boiler repair, call 301-453-8368.

Understanding How a Boiler Warms Your Home

While furnaces are often the go-to heating system these days, boilers are frequently good options too. You can still find them in homes with vintage charm by way of standing or baseboard radiators. Today, boilers are making a return thanks to technological innovations.

When the temperature falls beneath your current settings, the boiler begins heating water for distribution throughout the house. Various zone valves guide the water to each radiator thanks to a powerful circulating pump. But now, boilers are also compatible with contemporary HVAC ductwork. A hot water coil is installed inside the air ducts, heating the air through convection before it flows through the rest of the ductwork.

Most boilers keep this water supply between 180 to 200 degrees (F). To keep the entire supply at useable temperatures, the circulator will keep pumping water until the coldest water has made its way back to the system. Maintaining the pressure of this system is best at around 30 pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge located on the front of the boiler allows you to keep track of both the pressure and the water’s temperature.

Other important parts of a boiler are the air scoop, water feeder, expansion tank and relief valve:

  • The air scoop, also known as an air separator or air purge, removes any air bubbles held in the water. This limits noise and prevents air-bound radiation from impacting the system’s efficiency.
  • Automatic water feeders will add water whenever necessary to keep the system full, minimizing potential problems.
  • The expansion tank pulls in excess water generated during the heating process.
  • Lastly, a relief valve keeps the water pressure at safe/efficient levels. Otherwise, you risk overheating the system or putting excessive strain on it.

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First Up: How Do Conventional Water Heaters Work?

In most designs, a hot water heater consists of a large storage tank with electric or natural gas heating elements. Water held inside the tank is continuously heated until you need it. The water is heated to your chosen temperature before it’s pumped to the faucet or appliance that needs it. For best results, the water heater’s thermostat should stay around 120°F and 140°F. This lowers the risk of scalding or bacterial growth.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters are comparatively recent and lack the storage tank, as the name suggests. Instead, it starts heating water as it arrives from your main water line. This can be very energy-efficient since you’re not constantly heating a lot of water like you would with a conventional tank water heater.

Five Signs Your Boiler May Need Professional Service

Reach out to your local boiler repair specialist if you’re noticing any of the following signs:

1

The burner is loud or emits a smoky odor:

These burner problems often point back to a malfunction in the combustion process. A technician will check the burner assembly itself along with the air and fuel supply lines.

2

Excessive air sounds:

A noisy boiler can be a frequent sign of air trapped somewhere in the system, affecting efficiency. While most of the time the pockets of air are found in the pipes, there may also be something wrong with the circulation pump.

3

Water leaking out from the relief valve:

A leaky valve can mean that the water pressure inside your boiler is too high. This could be due to a malfunctioning pressure relief valve or that there’s something wrong with the expansion tank.

4

Water leaking from any nearby piping connections:

Leaks at the piping connections usually stem from damaged seals, joints or connections in the system. Sealing up these leaks as soon as you can will limit further damage and loss of efficiency.

5

A smoky or odor like gas:

The odor of natural gas or something burning can be a serious safety concern. There could be fuel leaking from the fuel supply line or a damaged burner assembly. Prompt service ensures safety and minimizes the chance of a fire.

close up of a boiler control panel

Whether you’re looking to fix a problem or you’re thinking about an upgrade, Wyant Heating & Air can help.

We offer repair and installation services for both hot water heaters and boilers, and our certified staff will make sure yours is in the best possible shape. Reach out to us at 301-453-8368 to arrange a free consultation.

We service all makes and models, so contact us today!

Save Even More with Special Offers

A complete sense of comfort shouldn’t be out of anyone’s budget. Wyant Heating & Air lightens the load with seasonal promotions, discounts and other special offers. These offers help lower costs for key services, new equipment or whatever else you need for your comfort and peace of mind. Check out our current offers for more details on how to save.

Committed to Comfort from the Very Start

While a long history of service is impressive, nothing is more important to customer satisfaction than a dedication to total comfort. Wyant Heating & Air considers your peace of mind our top priority, and that hasn’t changed since we first opened our doors. Learn more about our history, and how our communities support us just as much as we support you.