3 Common Types of Boilers and What They do

Boilers are the most common type of heating system found in Long Island homes. A boiler is essentially a hot water heater, which distributes steam or hot water to rooms of the house through a series of plumbing pipes. Whether you currently have a gas-fired, oil-fired or electric one in your home, knowing more about the types of boilers available can help you make choices about home heating this winter.

What exactly is a Boiler?

Boilers are closed vessels in which water is heated and circulated. Although the water held inside is not actually boiled, the heated or vaporized fluid is used to power various heating applications, including:

• Water heating
• Central heating
• Boiler-based power generation
• Cooking
• Sanitation

The Types of Boilers found in Long Island Homes

1)      Gas-Fired Boilers

Gas-fired boilers are one of the most highly-efficient and durable types of boilers. They may be powered by either natural gas or propane.

A gas-fired boiler directs heated water or steam to the radiators in a house. It generally uses less fuel, because it can recapture the energy that is produced by gases leaving the boiler.

These types of boilers rarely break down and do not need a lot of maintenance.

2)      Oil-Fired Boilers

Oil-fired boilers are typically found in areas that have little or no access to natural gas. They run in tandem with home heating oil, which is stored in a fuel tank.

An oil boiler does not require access to a gas supply. It is also a popular home heating choice today, because it’s known to be energy efficient.

Although operating costs are affected by fluctuations in the price of oil, some manufacturers are now selling models that use biodiesel fuel.

3)      Electric Boilers

A third option is an electric boiler. It is a large tank that has an inlet and an outlet. Electricity warms up the water to very high temperatures before an electric pump moves the fluid to a house’s radiators.

Electric boilers have many significant advantages, including:

• Energy efficient
• Quiet
• Clean
• More compact
• Easy to install

However, these boilers can be very costly, because the electricity used to run them is often more expensive than other fuel options.

All three of these common types of boilers are frequently found in Long Island homes. Your choice may depend on personal preference or access to natural gas.

If you think it might be time for a new boiler, Green Art Plumbing Supply can help you find a home heating solution that is right for you.

We have a wide selection of residential design products from top-of-the-line brands in our three Long Island showrooms in Freeport, Huntington Station, and Southampton. Visit us, send us a message, or call (516) 379-0449 today.