Boilers
What is a Boiler?
Most people immediately think of furnaces when opting to heat their homes. However, boilers provide a highly effective heat option, have a long life, can reach high heating efficiencies, and some types require little or no pumping energy. Boilers are an important part of a central heating system. They’re a continuous closed loop of pipes carrying heated water (or steam) throughout your home. As the water runs through the pipes, running through radiators, the hot water cools on its path as it gives off its heat, heating your rooms, then returns back to the boiler to be reheated again. The boiler keeps firing, to continuously reheat the returned cool water, and then sends it on its way again throughout your home.
How Does a Boiler Work?
The boiler is controlled/turned on with an electric switch, which when turned on, opens a valve where the gas enters a combustion chamber. There is a continuous stream of natural gas via a pipe attached to the home’s gas main, usually from the street, that feeds a fire inside this chamber. Its electric ignition system is what lights these small jets of gas. The gas jets fire onto a heat exchanger connected to the water pipe carrying the cold water. The heat exchanger takes the gas-generated heat and heats the water, typically to around 140ºF (60ºC). The now-hot water is pushed throughout the home. An electric pump inside or very near the boiler keeps the water flowing through the loop of pipes and radiators.
Is a Boiler Right for My Home?
Typically, boilers are categorized into different types based on their fuel type, working pressure and temperature, size and capacity, draft method, and whether or not they condense the water vapor in the combustion gases. Sometimes boilers are described by some by their key components, such as heat exchanger materials or tube design.
The two main types of boilers are Firetube and Watertube boilers. In the former, the Firetube boiler, combustion hot gases flow through a system of tubes surrounded by water. In the latter, the Watertube boiler, water flows in the inside of the tubes, and the combustion hot gases flow around the outside of the tubes.
Contact Able Heating & Air to speak with a knowledgeable technician on the best type of boiler for your home in Locust Grove, VA.
Boiler Maintenance
As mentioned above, boilers have some wonderful advantages (long life, highly effective, high heat efficiency), but they do need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep these advantages. If neglected, boilers’ repairs can be costly and fuel bills can add up quickly. If you currently have a boiler and it's been awhile since you’ve had maintenance performed on it, or if you’re thinking of installing a boiler, call Able Heating & Air. Our technicians would be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Boiler Maintenance in Culpeper, VA 22701
“Greg was very professional and knowledgeable. I felt he was honest and not trying to sell me something I don't need.”
– Paul M.
Boiler Repair in Culpeper, VA 22701
“Great Job as always..thank you..
Stephen and Peggy Dunn”
– Stephen D.
I am most impressed with how they want to make it work in the best way possible for their clients.
“"I am most impressed with how they want to make it work in the best way possible for their clients. They worked hard to fit my home with best options to choose from that aligned with my budget goals."”
– M L.
Highly Recommend Able For Your Heating and Air Conditioning
“The Able team has been a true blessing for our boiler replacement. From the initial meeting, I felt comfortable in trusting them to get the job done and done right. Taking measurements and doing the heat ratio calculations, wearing shoe covers, and offering several options of solutions was a sure sign of that. We had our old oil boiler (1985) removed and a new efficient gas furnace installed to provide our hot water and heat. The job was completed on time, looks beautiful, and works wonderfully. I was able to get the financing option as well which really took care of the financial concerns. I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire group, including the owner, Greg, in taking the time and care to ensure our complete satisfaction. We were also provided with portable heaters while the work was getting done. I would highly recommend Able for your heating and air conditioning needs. ”
Scheduling Was Easy
“Scheduling was easy — the office staff was responsive, helpful and courteous. On the day of the appointment, the technician arrived exactly when he said he would. Our hot water boiler/radiator heating system is quite old and has had many folks service it over the decades. To correctly service it, a technician needs to have the training and experience to understand what previous technicians have done (some of which was probably not done correctly in the past). This technician from Able Heating and Air had the necessary knowledge and experience, and quickly assessed our system for possible improvements. For all future work, we will call Able Heating and Air without hesitation.”
Able Heating & Air proudly provides HVAC service to Culpeper, Locust Grove, Spotsylvania, Boston, Madison, Orange, Reva, Rixeyville, Warrenton, and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 540-718-7556, or request service online today.