How Does a Boiler Work?

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How Does a Boiler Work?

boiler heating systems new jersey Like many of your home’s vital systems, a boiler isn’t something you think much about until it stops working. But a boiler is the heart of your home’s heating system. If it isn’t working at peak performance, your home won’t be as comfortable as it could be this winter.

So, while the temperatures are dropping in northern New Jersey, let’s look at how a boiler works. In doing so, we can explore the different kinds of boilers and what you should look out for to ensure your oil-fired system is up to the task before the first cold snap.

What is a boiler?

A boiler heating system does not require vents or ductwork. It heats water and sends it through your home’s radiators or pipe system to keep you warm. Today, almost every boiler is a condensing boiler, meaning that it recycles water that condenses and returns to the boiler, heating it again and starting the process over.

Boilers have some advantages and some drawbacks compared to furnaces.

Boiler Pros	Boiler Cons
Boiler systems generally run quieter than furnaces because there is no forced air.	Boiler systems heat homes without ducts, so you can’t use the system for cooling in summer.
Boilers produce a more consistent heat.	Boiler installation is more complex than furnace installation.
Boilers humidify the air, making it feel warmer.	Boilers sometimes take longer to respond to thermostats.
Boiler systems don’t circulate air (or the pollutants in it). That’s good for your indoor air quality.	Boilers can leak, unlike furnaces.

Types of boilers

There are variations in how boilers provide heat and serve your home. Consider these different types of boilers:

Steam boilers boil water to produce steam, which is distributed through pipes and/or radiators.
Hot water boilers heat water to around 140-180 degrees, then a pump cycles it through your home’s pipes.
Combi boilers can provide hot water for your home in addition to heating your spaces.

How a boiler system works

Here is a complete breakdown of the process a boiler uses to heat your home.

As the temperature in your home falls, your thermostat signals to the boiler that it needs to turn on.
Your boiler’s oil-fired burner turns on to generate heat.
The burner’s flame heats water inside your boiler.
Depending on your specific system, steam or heated water travels through pipes to either radiators or a floor system. This heats your home.
Cooling water condenses and returns to your boiler. There, it’s reheated.
This cycle continues until your home’s heat reaches the desired temperature. At this point, your thermostat signals for your boiler to shut down.

JW Pierson Co. — your go-to boiler specialist!

When was the last time you received boiler maintenance? Most manufacturers recommend that you have your boiler serviced by a professional each year. This will ensure it runs at the highest possible efficiency, keeping you warm while saving you money on heating oil usage.

Our heating specialists are ready to give your boiler the tune-up it needs. Contact Pierson for service today.