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Despite their name, most boilers don't actually boil water at all. Modern versions simply heat water and then circulate it throughout the home. This is different from a water heater, which supplies usable hot water whenever you turn on plumbing fixtures. Below, get to know more about how boilers work.

Hot Water Boilers

The majority of newer boilers utilize hot water instead of steam. With gas and oil systems, the thermostat temperature control in the home triggers the heating of the gas or oil in the combustion chamber. The heat transfers to the heat exchanger, which warms the unit's water supply to 140 to 180 degrees before a pump directs the hot water to the rest of the home. Electric systems work on the same principle, but they use electric heating elements to warm the water, not gas or oil combustion.

Steam Boilers

boilerSteam boilers were once the standard in homes, but hot water systems have largely replaced them. In a steam-producing unit, the combustion reaction heats the water until it creates steam—literally boiling the water. It is the steam, not the water itself, that the system distributes throughout the home.

Old-fashioned radiators almost always distribute heat from steam, as do some radiant flooring systems. In general, steam systems are considered less energy-efficient because they require more energy to heat the water to the point that it manufactures enough usable steam. By contrast, hot water boilers only need to warm the water to a certain temperature and don't need to convert it to steam.

 

If you're in the market for a new boiler, contact the Osterwisch Company. Since 1946, they have been serving customers throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the Tri-State. They offer a wide range of heating, cooling, and plumbing services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance. Call (513) 791-3282 or visit their website to schedule service or request an estimate.

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