It’s that time of year again in Athol. The frostiest months of winter tend to bring about more service and repair calls, which often results in the need for new heating systems. From furnaces to boilers, there are a number of products on the market that will heat your home. What’s a boiler you ask? Let’s get a closer look.

Different Designs of Boilers

A boiler is a type of HVAC equipment used to heat your home, and it takes either steam or hot water to do so. Both use a boiler to heat the water and a radiant system to provide heat to every room in a home.

Steam Models

You could compare steam boilers to a teapot. These systems boil water to make steam, which is directed to radiators throughout your home. Generating more steam increases the pressure in the system and pushes the steam throughout the system. Radiators have air vents that open to release the pressure – and the heat – into your rooms. The steam then cools, condenses to water and heads back to the boiler to be reheated. Steam boilers are primarily powered with natural gas or propane.

Hot Water Boilers

Hot water boilers operate similarly but circulate hot water around your home instead of steam. When you boost the heat, water begins to warm up and is sent through the radiant system when it has met your desired temperature. Water boilers are able to be fueled using either oil or gas, however, oil-fired boilers are not commonly utilized outside of New England and the Northeast U.S.

Benefits of Getting Heat from a Boiler

Boilers are known for their almost soundless operation. In fact, you more than likely won’t hear a boiler running at all unless there’s a problem with the system. And, because radiant systems use pipes that are installed in the walls or floor, boilers can offer a more comfortable and even heat. Another benefit is that boilers don’t blow air around, helping decrease the allergens in the air.

Selecting the right heating system for your home can be a tough decision. Although they may be more expensive than furnaces, boilers offer quieter and more even heating for your home. If you’d like to find out more about the high-efficiency boilers available in Athol, give Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling a call at 208-561-1226.