5 quick things you should know about your boiler system

If you have a heating system in your home, which I hope you do come November, chance's are the boiler is the integral piece of your heating system.

For such an important cog in the household, the majority of homeowners know very little about their boiler. To shine some light on your heating system, here is a quick list of what you should know about your boiler.

So, what is a Boiler? 

A boiler is a central heating system that heats your home using water/steam instead of air like a furnace does. The system is enclosed. It then holds water and heats it to the temperature of your choosing to provide warmth to your home.

How do boilers provide heat?

Boilers provide heat which radiates, this in turn warms objects in your rooms. People tend to prefer boilers over furnaces because they can set their thermostat at a lower temperature and the heat which is radiating, can make the room feel warmer than the actual air temperature. Boilers also provide a more balanced heat throughout the home during the colder winter months.

What should I know about my boiler system?

There are 2 things we would recommend every home owner know about their boiler system:

• Is your boiler a standard or high efficiency model? Standard efficiency is vented in metal pipe. A high efficiency model should be vented in PVC pipe, either off the top or to the side of the boiler.
• What kind of radiators do you use in your home? Are they cast iron radiators, baseboard or Fintube?

What are the most common reasons for a boiler to break down?

Generally, there are 4 main reasons for a boiler to break down:

• Pumps failing
• Electrical components stop working E.G Thermostat.
• Unnecessary air may get into the system
• low water pressure

When to replace your boiler?

If your boiler is inefficient you cannot retrofit an old boiler to make it efficient, but in most cases a boiler can be replaced with a more efficient unit. Boilers can be simple or complicated systems to install, and require a thorough understanding of your home’s heating system. Only a trained professional should make any changes to your home heating system.

If your home uses gas, A registered gas installer should conduct a complete analysis of your system, after which they will provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for your home. If your heating system is 15-30 years old, you need to consider replacing your boiler.

If you feel you need to have your boiler or home heating system assessed, feel free to talk to us in the chat or contact us here and we will be happy to help you find the best solution that fit your needs.