If you use a boiler to heat your home, you may know that it works by heating water to a pre-set temperature – usually between 160-degrees to 180-degrees Fahrenheit — to either provide hot water or generate steam. Pumps circulate steam through pipes to steam radiators, while hot water is distributed to baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems.
You may not know that an old, inefficient, or over-sized boiler may be the cause of your high fuel bills. Before recommending a new Weil-Mclain boiler, the professionals at IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. will conduct a thorough energy audit of your home. To determine the size boiler you need, they will take into account such factors as the number, size, and placement of your windows, whether you have insulation in your attic and sidewalls, and the square feet of living space in your home.
If you do need a new Weil-Mclain boiler, consider a high-efficiency model that could cut your fuel bills in half. High-efficiency models of all types of boilers are available. The annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, indicates a boiler’s efficiency. Models manufactured since 1992 have an AFUE of at least 80 percent, while most older boilers have AFUE ratings of only 55 percent to 65 percent. When choosing a high-efficiency boiler, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These products meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Keep in mind that after your boiler has been installed, you can help improve its performance by keeping baseboards and radiators clean. Don’t crowd them with furniture, carpets, or drapes.
The professionals at IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. will work with you to find the right boiler to heat your home sufficiently. Call today to schedule an appointment.