Does your home have a boiler? Although the old-fashioned boiler has fallen out of fashion in favor of natural gas or electric forced-air furnaces, many older homes still have boilers that are going strong. Despite its waning popularity, the boiler has many advantages, especially for larger homes and buildings. If your home uses a boiler for heat, here are four things you should know.
Boilers Are Efficient
A boiler may be an older method of heating, but that doesn't mean it's less efficient than modern furnaces. Boilers work by heating water and sending it up through pipes and radiators to keep your home warm. This method tends to lose less heat than a forced-air furnace when heating large or multi-story structures, making boilers a popular choice for heating apartment buildings.
Boilers Need Maintenance
A good boiler can last a long time, but boilers require more upkeep than a modern furnace. Regular cleaning is a must to keep dust and dirt from getting into the boiler and causing damage, and boilers must be descaled regularly to avoid mineral buildup. If something is wrong with your boiler, it's important to call a boiler repair professional immediately to prevent dangerous explosions and damaging leaks.
Water Level is Important
It takes a specific amount of water to keep your boiler working properly, and serious safety issues can arise when the water level drops too low. Monitor your boiler's water level, and call a professional to make adjustments when necessary. If your boiler has a built-in water gauge, test it periodically to make sure it's still functioning correctly.
Boilers Can Leak
Leaks are a common problem with boilers, but the good news is that they can be easily fixed by a professional. The important thing is to check your boiler frequently to make sure that it's not leaking. Gas leaks are especially dangerous, but water leaks can also result in explosions by dropping the water level too low or cause water damage to your home's basement.
While boilers have many advantages, they're not the right choice for every home. If you have a smaller home or live in a warmer climate, a boiler may be less efficient than a forced-air system. Boilers are also more difficult to control, which means that your house can easily become too hot or too cold for comfort. If your home has an ancient boiler, consider whether you want to keep it or upgrade to a newer type of system.
