Boiler Questions
Before we get started, here’s a link to one of the best sites
on the web when it comes to boilers, hot water and steam heat: HeatingHelp.com
This site has extensive discussions on many issues and you can also post your questions there, as well. We don’t want to discourage questions; it is just another good resource.
This site has extensive discussions on many issues and you can also post your questions there, as well. We don’t want to discourage questions; it is just another good resource.
- Are the new boilers any better than the old boiler I have
now?
One of the nice things about a boiler is that they seem to last forever, which is why so many people like hydronic heat. Hydronic heat is so comfortable and, like other heating and cooling products, they have become much more efficient. The best advice we can offer here is to allow one of our technicians to visit your home or business and evaluate the condition of your boiler, for it is far better to replace the boiler when you choose rather than in the dead of winter when you have to.
Realistically, a boiler is somewhat more costly to replace than a furnace, therefore your energy payback may be a bit longer, so it would be best to discuss the pros and cons of replacing your boiler with one of our estimators.
- I have a steam boiler and some of my radiators
don’t heat very well. My pipes rattle and bang, too. What’s wrong with my system?
First, we may be looking at several problems, fortunately none of them really serious. The banging you are hearing may be “water hammer” caused by water accumulating in your supply or return pipes. The radiators not heating may be due to a faulty air vent or an incorrectly piped system. The corrections are not difficult, but there are many different types of steam systems out there. One of our experienced technicians can evaluate and suggest repairs to correct your heating problems. The good thing about a steam system is that there are very few moving parts, so other than corrosion and maybe some steam traps, there is very little wear and tear on the system. Many times, we find some of the problems are caused by well-meaning individuals who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of a steam system. A very common mistake is to not recognize a steam “vapor” system from a more traditional steam system. They are 2 totally different systems.