What Are The Different Types of Boilers

Different Types of Boilers

If you are considering installing a new boiler into your home, you may find that there is a lot to understand to make sure you make an informed decision. The first of these being which type of boiler will work best for your home? If you're not sure make sure to read our guide on how does a boiler work first. There are many different varieties of boilers available, each with different methods to deliver heat to your home. To aid you in your journey below is a short guide to the different types of boilers available. 

Hot Water

A hot water boiler is both an extremely safe and efficient way to deliver heating to the radiators throughout your home through the use of hot water and pumps, controlled by pressure. The way a hot water boiler works is fairly simple. Once you adjust your thermostat to begin heating, the burner in the system will be activated, heating up the water. The water is then pumped through the system where it will expand. The heat that is produced by the hot water will then come out through the radiators. The cooled water will then return to the boiler for the process to start again. 

Electric

An electric boiler is a good option for those who do not wish to rely on fossil fuel sources to heat their home. This type of boiler is not only environmentally-friendly but is also extremely energy-efficient. They also work better in smaller spaces. An electric boiler will work the same as a traditional gas boiler except that it uses electricity instead of gas to heat water. The main drawback to this type of boiler is the fact that if you have a power outage, you will lose your heat as well.

Natural Gas

A natural gas boiler will pump natural gas through a pipeline, either from a city line or a propane tank. The natural gas will then be regulated by both a temperature gauge and a thermocouple so that you use less fuel and have greater energy efficiency. The natural gas will feed to the boiler to keep the pilot lit, which will warm up the heating coils. The heating coils will then supply the heat to the water in the tank before being transferred through your home's pipes.

Oil 

Oil boilers are more often found in rural areas, or areas where the access to natural gas is more limited. The system works by having a separate tank housing the oil pump it into the boiler, where it will heat the water and pass either hot air or water through the pipes in your home. An older oil boiler is likely inefficient, but newer available models have better efficiency. 

Steam

A steam boiler is most similar to a hot water boiler as it will use a heat exchanger to heat the water and deliver it to the radiators in your home. A steam boiler works by heating the water in the tank and converting it to steam, increasing the pressure. Once the pressure rises, the steam will rise from the pipes and the radiators and eventually open the radiator's air vents. 

Condensing 

A condensing boiler utilizes a heat exchanger to heat the water before it is transported to the radiators and one to reheat water as it is returned. This allows them to use the energy in exhaust gases to have the water preheated before it returns to the boiler, making it a more energy-efficient option. 

Combo

A combo boiler combines both a high-efficiency water heater and a central heating boiler into one unit. They utilize the hot water directly from the tap, instead of having additional storage units. They are considered extremely energy-efficient as they heat the water instantly instead of heating the entire cylinder of water. They also are extremely compact, making them ideal for small spaces. Combo-boilers are also sometimes known as wall mounted boilers.

Choosing the right boiler for your home will largely depend on the type of energy you use, the space you have to install it, and the available resources by your home. No matter which option you choose, boilers can be a great way to evenly heat your home and keep you warm all winter long.

Continue learning by reading about how do furnaces work on our next guide. Feel free to also preview our comparison guide on boilers vs furnaces, which will help you determine the unit best suited for your property.