With the increasing need for space and water heating in the residential sector, the demand for boiler installation services will continue to go up. The good news is today's boilers come in different sizes and configurations to increase your chances of finding a boiler that will suit your home perfectly. On the downside, making the right choice can be a little daunting, especially if you're choosing a boiler for your first home.
Here are some key factors to consider as you explore your residential boiler options.
Boiler Type
When it comes to domestic boilers, you have two main types of boilers to choose from — steam and hot water boilers. Both are hydroponic systems because they require heating water to produce the steam or hot water used as a medium of heat transfer for your space and water heating applications. Although they are similar in design and operating principle, the key difference between the two comes down to temperature.
Steam boilers operate at a higher temperature than their hot water cousins because more heat is required to produce steam. Because of this, they are regarded as less efficient than hot water. Some newer steam boilers are just as efficient or even more efficient than hot water models when factors other than boiler type come into play.
Residential boilers can use a variety of fuel sources to operate, but the main ones are gas, oil, and electricity. When comparing your boiler fuel options, consider their availability and affordability, as well as your home's energy goals.
Boiler AFUE Rating
The efficiency of boilers is usually measured by their AFUE rating. Acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, AFUE describes how efficiently a particular boiler utilizes its fuel. The higher the percentage, the more efficiently the boiler uses fuel.
Boilers with a high AFUE rating are considered to be superior due to the associated energy savings.
Boiler Capacity
This describes a particular residential boiler's output — the amount of steam or hot water it can produce for your space and water heating purposes. Commercial and industrial boilers can be used for mechanical and electrical power generation too.
In boiler physics, boiler capacity is typically measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTUs/hr). That will be pounds of mass per hour (lbs/hr) for U.S. boilers. The more heat and steam/hot water needed to meet your residential space and water heating requirements, the bigger the boiler unit you'll need.
Homeowners and builders alike are expected to ensure compliance with strict rules and regulations for residential heating. To ensure proper selection and for more information about residential boiler installation, talk to a local HVAC contractor about your space and water heating needs.
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