A boiler is different from a forced-air furnace in that it uses steam or hot water to heat a house. OurheatingOur and air conditioning company, Lion Home Service, is an expert source for maintaining and repairing boilers in the Fort Collins area. Read more to learn how boilers work and how to know if you have one in your home.
How Boilers Work
A steam boiler basically heats water to the boiling point. The resulting steam is then circulated around the house, and the steam’s heat is released through radiators. In a boiler that uses water, hot water is circulated around the house. Water is then returned to be reheated and sent out again. Both hot water and steam heating systems can use the same type of boilers and can be powered by gas or oil. However, there are differences:
- Hot water boilers have an expansion tank full of air to keep the water from boiling
- Steam boilers lack expansion tank but have a gauge glass that lets homeowners and heating specialists know water levels
- Hot water boiler has combination gauge that shows the pressure, the minimum pressure, and the water temperature
- Forced water system has a circulator, which is a pump that moves the water
How to Know If You Have a Boiler
A boiler looks very much like a hot water tank. It is attached to pipes, drains, shut-off and relief valves, try cocks and drain cocks. If you have such a unit in your home, it may be a boiler. Of course, you can also reach out to a heating system expert who can inspect your system.
Call Our Company in Fort Collins for Answers About Your Boiler
If you have questions about your boiler or need one repaired or installed, don’t hesitate to call Lion Home Service.
