Boilers are a well-known method of heating a home, yet many modern homeowners are unaware of precisely how they work and the benefits of having one.
If you are in the process of switching heating systems, or you’re moving into a home in Reading, PA that uses a boiler system, here are 6 surprising facts you may not know.
1 – There is No Boiling Going On
It’s easy to think of a boiler causing the water inside it to boil because of the name, but in fact, that is not the case.
Once it was true, but today your boiler only heats the water to around 190 degrees F.
2 – Boilers Don’t Boost Humidity
Another easy misconception is that the humidity levels in your home are going to rise if a boiler is in use, but that’s also not true.
The reality is that the system is closed and made from non-porous material, so there is no place for water to escape into your living environment.
You can use boilers all you want and the humidity level won’t change.
3 – The Function Is Quite Simple
Unlike some other heating systems, a boiler uses a basic process consisting of a water heater and radiators.
Electricity or natural gas heats the water, which is then pumped into radiators and circulated throughout the living space. Your home is heated as the water travels through the system, radiating heat outward.
4 – Modern Boilers are Big on Energy Efficiency
A modern boiler can have an efficiency rating as high as 98.5 percent, which is light years ahead of the boilers of old.
In some cases, older boilers only reached around 55 percent efficiency. When you use a modern boiler, you can feel good that you are doing your part for the environment and your wallet.
5 – A Boiler Could Save You Money
That higher efficiency rating can help to lower your monthly bills, which is something every homeowner would find appealing.
Gone are the days of inefficient old clunkers that sucked money out of your pocket every month.
With the right model and right installer, you could be looking at significant savings over the course of the year.
6 – You Can’t Neglect the Water Pressure
There needs to be a sweet spot when it comes to water pressure to get the most out of your new boiler.
If the water pressure is too high, you might damage the system, but if it’s too low, the water won’t circulate through effectively. The ideal water pressure to maintain is between 12 and 15 psi.
Boilers can provide you with consistent heat throughout the winter with a quiet operation you’ll barely notice. Maintenance costs are also typically low, so this could be an ideal choice if you’re looking for something new.
