A boiler is an excellent choice for heating your home in Arlington Heights, IL, during the chilly winter months. Known for their reliability and durability, boilers seldom experience breakdowns. Here’s an overview of how they operate.
Components of a Residential Boiler System
While there are several types of boiler systems, they all rely on essential components that work together for efficient and reliable heating. The following are the key components.
The Burner
The burner is where fuel (either gas or oil) mixes with air to create a strong blue flame, which generates the heat that boils water, and it circulates throughout your home. A component called the combustion chamber houses the burner.
Note that electric boilers operate differently. They use electrical resistance elements to heat the water directly. So, they do not require a burner.
Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion chamber to the water inside the boiler. Constructed from durable materials like copper, cast iron, or steel, heat exchangers are designed to handle high temperatures over many years.
Circulator Pumps
The circulator pump pushes hot water from the boiler through the supply pipes. This pump is essential for distributing hot water to radiators, underfloor heating systems, and taps. Without it, hot water wouldn’t reach these areas. This will impact the effectiveness of the system.
Feed Pump
The feed pump supplies cold water to the boiler, where it will be heated. It operates at a constant temperature to ensure proper water circulation and maintain safety within the system.
Controls
System controls allow you to set water temperature, internal boiler pressure, and air and fuel supply levels. These controls are essential for safe operation, as extreme pressure can lead to hazardous conditions. Monitoring these gauges regularly helps prevent potential issues.
Supply and Return Lines
Supply lines carry heated water to the distribution points in your home. Once the heat is dispersed through radiators or underfloor heating, return lines bring the cooled water back to the boiler for reheating.
At the connection point between the boiler and supply lines, a backflow valve is installed to prevent heated water from flowing back into the boiler.
Aquastats
Aquastats are sensors that regulate the burner’s operation. They monitor the water temperature inside the boiler and signal the burner to turn on or off as needed, ensuring the water remains within the ideal temperature range.
Expansion Tank
As water heats, it expands. The expansion tank, located beside the boiler, provides space for this expansion, managing pressure within the boiler to ensure safe operation.
Thermostat
After you get a boiler installation for your home, the thermostat is like its brain. It monitors the room temperature, triggering the boiler to run or shut off to maintain your desired indoor climate. By constantly assessing the room’s temperature, the thermostat helps create a comfortable environment.
Boiler Outlets
Boilers typically heat spaces through three main outlets: radiators, baseboard heating, and radiant floor heating. Radiators are standalone units that dispense heat through fins or coils, maximizing surface area for heat distribution. Baseboard heating units work similarly but are installed along the base of walls, saving space. Radiant floor heating, a system of pipes under the floor, provides gentle, even warmth from the ground up.
How Boilers Work
After setting your desired temperature on the thermostat, it sends an electronic signal to open the gas and air supply valve and ignite the burner. The generated heat travels to the heat exchanger, which then warms the water in the boiler.
Once the water is heated, the circulator pump pushes it through the supply lines to the outlets, providing warmth to targeted areas. After releasing heat in each room, the cooled water returns to the boiler through the return lines for reheating. This cycle repeats until the temperature throughout your home reaches the desired level.
Reasons Why Boilers Are Better Heating Systems
Boilers offer numerous advantages, including higher efficiency and lower operating costs. Modern boilers can reach up to 95% efficiency, meaning nearly all the fuel is converted to heat, compared to standard furnaces that typically achieve around 80% efficiency.
Boilers also tend to be more cost-effective over time. With fewer moving parts, they are less prone to breakdowns and often last up to 20 years. This makes them a durable and dependable option for home heating.
Contact IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for Boiler Installations
If you’re in Arlington Heights, IL, and considering a boiler installation, IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help. We’ll be happy to help you explore the best heating options for your home. In addition to boilers, we install and maintain furnaces, mini-splits, and central AC systems.
Contact us right now, and our team will do all we can to meet your comfort needs.
