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Types of Boilers You Can Get Installed

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When it comes to winter comfort, boilers are the first things that come to mind. Choosing the right boiler is as important as choosing a boiler for comfort. It is essential for a streamlined residential or commercial boiler installation in PA and flawless operation of the unit all winter long. Additionally, only the right boiler can provide you with reliable comfort at a reasonable price. This guide is all about the popular types of boilers, their best uses, and how to choose the right type of boiler for your residential or commercial facility.

Types of Boilers by Construction

Here are some of the popular boiler types based on construction.

Combi Boilers

Combi boilers have a single, compact unit that provides both central heating as well as hot water in the home. It lacks a separate storage tank and warms the water directly on demand. As they lack a separate tank, they take the least space compared to the other two boiler types in construction.

Benefits of Combi Boilers

  • On-demand hot water supply. It is ready when you need it.
  • Space-saving design, perfect for narrow and compact spaces.
  • High energy efficiency as compared to many other units.
  • Lower installation costs and easy maintenance steps.

System Boilers

A system boiler is, in fact, a modern and updated version of a conventional boiler. It features a separate tank to provide a continuous hot water supply. It lacks many of the components of the traditional boilers, like a cold tank, a separate feed and expansion tank, etc. The water is heated by a heat exchanger and stored in the tank until it is needed.

Benefits of System Boilers

  • They are best for a facility that has more than one bathroom.
  • Perfect for a reliable, uninterrupted warm water supply.
  • It is fast and responsive, reacting quickly to changes in the thermostat.
  • Compatible to be use with solar panels.

Conventional Boilers

It is a conventional appliance for a warm water supply. It is made of a hot water cylinder and a separate cold water tank. As it possesses many components, it takes significant space for installation. It finds its best application in older homes with high water demands, draining from multiple taps.

Benefits of Conventional Boilers

  • They are generally the most affordable boiler types.
  • They work well with the older heating systems.
  • They are perfect for spaces with higher water demands.
  • Stable water supply, even if multiple tabs are in use.

Types of Boilers by Fuel Supply

Here are some of the popular types of boilers based on the fuel supply.

Gas Boilers

As the name implies, these boilers use gas as a fuel supply. The gas may be natural gas, propane, or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). All of the above-discussed boiler types, such as combi, system, and conventional, can be gas condensing boilers based on the working mechanism and fuel consumption.

Benefits of Gas Boilers

  • They are associated with lower energy bills as gas is less expensive than oil in PA..
  • They operate more quietly than many other systems, ensuring noise prevention.
  • They are ductless and therefore don’t blow dirt and allergens inside the house.
  • They have a longer lifespan with reduced maintenance and a low risk of repairs.

Oil Boilers

Oil boilers are primarily used in areas where there is no access to a gas supply. The oil is warmed, which then heats the water in your home. They are generally expensive than gas boilers and are only preferred in rural areas. The setup and structure are almost identical to those of gas boilers; the main difference lies in the fuel supply part.

Benefits of Oil Boilers

  • They provide fuel independence to homes without a gas supply.
  • Modern oil boilers are quieter and environmentally friendly.
  • They have a better throughout as they don’t allow heat escape.
  • You can install them internally as well as externally.

Biomass Boilers

They are also called wood boilers or pellet boilers. The names are because of the fuel source it consumes. Wood logs and pellets are burned in the combustion chamber, and the heat is used to warm water. If you lack a gas supply and can’t afford the expenses of an oil boiler, biomass boilers are the perfect and most sustainable option for you.

Benefits of Biomass Boilers

  • They are accompanied by a reduced carbon footprint on the environment.
  • Biomass fuels are more inexpensive than both of those explained above.
  • Many governments offer grants and subsidies for installing biomass boilers.
  • Modern biomass boilers can operate up to 80% to 90% efficiency, reducing energy waste.

How to Choose the Right Boiler for Your Home or Office

The choice of boilers directly influences the cost of home boiler installation in PA and the lifespan of the equipment. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for choosing the right boiler type for your space.

  • Choose the boiler with enough capacity (measured in BTU or kW) based on your home’s square footage and insulation.
  • Choose from a combination or system boiler according to your heating requirements.
  • Choose the boiler with the fuel type that is easily accessible at your site.
  • Choose the boiler with the right efficiency and AFUE ratings.
  • Check for the available rebates and incentives on specific boiler models and units.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boiler type is crucial for enjoying warm showers throughout the cold season. You can select a unit based on its fuel type, structure, or energy efficiency. Consider your comfort needs, your building code and area, and the unique climate of Pennsylvania’s region in which you live.

If you find it hard to choose the best boiler for your home or office, Lehigh HVAC is always here to help. We have spent over 11 years providing affordable HVAC solutions in PA. Our team will conduct a site survey and then suggest the best boiler type for your site. We will also assist you with professional boiler installation that lasts for years. Contact us at 484-961-7044 to book a service or discuss more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The good efficiency of a boiler is generally considered above 90%. It means 90% of the input supply is used to warm the water.

Average boilers have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. Some high-quality units can last as long as 25 years or even longer if they are kept with timely maintenance and care.

Installing a new boiler can take anywhere between a few hours to some days. Some simple models, like a combi boiler installation, can be accomplished in 4 to 6 hours. On the other hand, installing conventional or system boilers may take 1 to 3 days for completion.

Yes, like other HVAC appliances, boilers also need regular maintenance. The maintenance is the key to keeping the boiler performing at its best and preventing costly repairs.

You can prevent issues by timely maintenance and tune-ups. Additionally, schedule regular inspections from a professional company to detect issues at earlier stages before they develop into heavy damage.