Everything You Need to Know About Boilers

The Beauty of Boilers

Did you know radiant heat—the type of heat your boiler creates—was one of the first types of indoor heating systems invented, dating back to 1300 BC?

At AquaTemp, though we haven’t been working with boilers since 1300 BC, we know a thing or two about them. Our highly trained and experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals regularly install and work on them here in Warman.

Boilers Produce Radiant Heat 

Modern boilers are an extremely efficient way of heating your Saskatchewan home. Many people prefer radiant heat over other ways to heat their homes. Some of its advantages are:

• Efficiency—no more losing heat through leaks in your air ducts.
• Effectiveness—radiant heat warms objects instead of your home’s air.
• Cleanliness—Unlike furnaces, boilers do not stir up allergens and other airborne particles that compromise your indoor air quality (IAQ). Anyone with allergies will love radiant heat!

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), roughly 10 to 30 percent of people worldwide suffer from allergies. If this is you, having a boiler with radiant heat instead of a forced-air system in your Warman home can help you diminish your symptoms.

Furnaces disperse warm air through your ductwork to heat your home. Radiant heat warms a room’s objects instead, including you. This type of system provides more consistent heating throughout your entire home since a forced-air system cycles on and off more frequently.

Most boilers share common attributes. It’s helpful to know what they are to help you keep your home comfortable and safe for years to come.

Does My Boiler Boil Water?

This term hails back when steam was primarily used for heating. Though you may have an older steam boiler, you more than likely own a water boiler. These days, the water is kept between 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and 88 degrees Celsius (190 degrees Fahrenheit)—depending on the boiler and system in your home.

Why Do Boilers and Radiators Make Noises?

Such noises can occur even if everything seems to still be working properly, but a noisy boiler or radiators should never be ignored. For one thing, who wants their sleep interrupted? One of the most common causes for a noisy system is air in the system. Our professionals at AquaTemp can inspect your system and address any noisy problems!

How Do I Maintain My Boiler?

You must keep up with its annual professional maintenance to ensure your boiler is operating safely and efficiently. Saskatchewan requires annual safety inspections by law on larger boilers typically found in commercial buildings. All boilers manufacturers recommend scheduling boiler maintenance for safety reasons first and foremost. You also enjoy more efficiency, fewer breakdowns, and you protect your equipment warranty.

How to Identify a High-Efficiency Boiler

The easiest way to tell is by looking at the flue pipe coming out of the top or side of your boiler. A metal flue pipe tells you it’s a standard efficiency boiler in most cases. On the other hand, if it has a PVC (or hard, white, or grey plastic) pipe, then you have a high-efficiency boiler.

Are Boilers Durable?

Boilers are incredibly durable, providing your home with comfort for decades. But like any piece of machinery, the moving parts are usually the first to fail. When it comes to your boiler, pay attention to the pumps and electrical components—they are likely to fail first. You can trust our team at AquaTemp to identify minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Does My New Boiler Have a Pilot Light or Flame I Need to Light?

With the new boilers, this is all done electronically and internal to the boiler so you will no longer have any issues lighting that pilot. If you do have an older boiler and are still dealing with a pilot light, it may be time to consider upgrading. Talk to one of our AquaTemp boiler pros, and we can help you make an educated decision about an upgrade.

Do I Need to Add More Water to My Boiler System?

Almost all modern boiler systems are what we call “closed-loop systems.” That means once you fill the system with fluid, there should be no need to add any additional fluid. The fluid in the system is closed in and will loop around inside forever. The only reason to add more fluid into a system is if a leak or repair to the boiler or the system occurs.

Contact Us for All Your Boiler Needs

At AquaTemp, we can help you with a boiler installation or replacement, repair, or maintenance for your Warman, SK, home. Our team loves all things HVAC, and we are happy to discuss any questions you may have. Call us at 306-370-8678 or request service online today!