Boiler Service in Pittsburgh, PA
It’s time to choose the first heating system for a new home. There are numerous available options, and forced–air heaters (furnaces and heat pumps) are among the most popular. But there’s another way to heat your home that doesn’t rely on blowing around heated air through ventilation shafts. It’s using a boiler. You may think that a boiler sounds a touch old–fashioned, but current boiler technology allows for a heating experience that is often the ideal option for a home.
There are numerous advantages that boilers provide as a radiant heating installation, and the comfort professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling are glad to go over them with you. If you decide that a boiler is the right installation for your home in Pittsburgh, PA, let us take on the job of picking the best model, sizing it, and then having it set up so you can enjoy many winter with its cozy warmth. You can trust to our more than eight decades of experience at providing heating system installation. Contact us today to learn more about our Pittsburgh boiler services.
Do you want a boiler installation in Pittsburgh, PA or the surrounding areas? Call on the HVAC technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling.
How Boiler Systems Work
Boilers are a type of hydronic heating system, which means they use water as a heat transfer medium. A boiler heats water inside a tank using either natural gas or electronic heating elements. The hot water moves through pipes until it reaches terminal points located throughout a home. These terminal points are usually baseboard heaters or radiators. The hot water warms up the object, and it then radiates heat into the room. The cooled water returns to the tank where the process starts up once more. There is no need for ductwork, fans, or many other mechanical components associated with other heating systems.
The Advantages of Installing a Boiler
Forced–air heaters are extremely popular for residential heating. But when you read about what boilers can do for a household, you’ll see why many people have started to opt for boilers as a comfort alternative.
- Energy efficiency: Because water is a more effective heat transfer medium than air, boilers work at greater energy efficiency. A boiler will save you money compared to a furnace, especially a gas powered boiler.
- Even heating: Furnaces and heat pumps blow out air from vents, and that air usually gathers at the ceiling and takes longer to spread through a space. A boiler sends out waves of radiant heat, and that not only means a more even heat distribution, but also faster warmth spread.
- Few repairs needs: A boiler has far fewer moving parts than other heating systems. This translates into less wear and tear, and consequently fewer repair issues.
- Longevity: Thanks to the reduction of wear and tear, boilers can also expect to last longer than competing heating systems.
- Indoor air quality: Because boilers do not need to use ducts, they won’t blow around dust and other debris that collects inside ventilation systems. If you have people in your household with allergies or asthma, a boiler will make their life easier.
Boiler Replacement
Do you know when it’s time to replace your aging boiler? A general rule of thumb is that when the system reaches 10–15 years of age, it’s wise to start considering an upgrade. If you’re still unsure, you can keep an eye out for the following signs that it’s time to replace:
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Higher Energy Bills: Are your energy bills higher than they were during heating season last year? How about in comparison to what your neighbors are paying? If your bills have spiked, it’s a sign that something is working less efficiently, and it could very well be your boiler.
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Leaking: Unless it’s coming from the pressure relief valve, you never want to see water present outside your boiler and it signifies that corrosion may have started to occur within the system.
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Loud/Unusual Noises: No matter what type of heating system you have, if it starts making unusual noises that can’t be resolved with repairs, it’s a sign it’s breaking down.
Boiler Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits that boilers have over other heating system types is that they are sturdy, and don’t suffer the same level of wear and tear over the years. They still need careful attention to work as effectively and efficiently as they do.
Since boilers are made of metal and are in constant contact with water, rust and corrosion are big concerns. Annual maintenance is required so that our technicians can closely monitor your boiler and make sure that its protections against corrosion are still functioning as they should.
Boiler Repair
As sturdy as your Pittsburgh home’s boiler is, there’s no possible way to completely eliminate the chance of malfunctions, and at some point you’ll need to call our team for boiler repair. Many repair needs can be caught during maintenance, but there’s still a chance you’ll need a repair between tune-ups.
If you hear rumbling coming from the tank, it’s a sign that hard water minerals have settled and the tank needs to be flushed., If you see any leaks or indication of corrosion, it’s definitely a sign your boiler needs service. Fortunately, you need only to call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for reliable boiler repair services!