seoadmin, Author at Teems Electric

There are many benefits to using a commercial boiler in your business. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can provide a large amount of hot water output. This is especially perfect for businesses that use a lot of hot water. Additionally, commercial boilers are much more durable and reliable than residential boilers. They last longer and require less maintenance. Finally, these types of boilers can often be customized to meet the specifications of your business. This will ensure that you have the perfect system for your needs.

On the blog today, we will review the above reasons (and more) that a commercial boiler can truly make a difference for your business!

A Reliable and Efficient Heating Source

As mentioned above, commercial boilers are typically much more durable and reliable than residential boilers. They are available in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of different commercial properties, and they can be used to heat water or generate steam. These boilers are also relatively easy to maintain, and they have a long lifespan. This means that they will last longer and require less maintenance. Additionally, this type of boiler can often be customized to meet the specific needs of your business.

There are many benefits to using a commercial boiler in your business. Commercial boilers provide a much higher level of hot water output than residential boilers. Because of this, they can heat larger spaces more evenly and efficiently. If you are considering a new water heating system for your business, a commercial boiler may be the best option for you.

Lower Energy Costs with Commercial Boilers

Businesses that use commercial boilers can save money on their overall energy costs for a variety of reasons. First, these boilers are more efficient than traditional heating methods, so businesses can save money on their energy bills. Second, commercial boilers can help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their environmental impact. Finally, using this type of boiler can help businesses to take advantage of incentives and rebates available for energy-efficient equipment.

Improve the Indoor Air Quality

Using commercial boilers can improve indoor air quality in a number of ways. Boilers can provide humidification, which can help to reduce static electricity and dust in the air. Additionally, boiler-generated heat helps to circulate clean, fresh air throughout a space, preventing the formation of hot and cold spots. By evenly distributing heat, commercial boilers can also help to reduce energy costs.

More Durable, Long Lasting Heating Solution

If you’re looking for a boiler that can withstand heavy use, then you’ll want to consider a commercial boiler. These boilers are designed to handle high volumes of water and steam. Commercial boilers are also built to last, so you can count on them to provide reliable heat for many years to come.

Save Money with Commercial Boilers

While the upfront cost for this kind of boiler may be higher than that of a residential boiler, it is important to keep in mind that commercial boilers are built to last. This means you will likely save money in the long run by investing in a commercial boiler, as you will not have to replace it as often as you would a residential boiler. Additionally, these boilers are more energy-efficient than their residential counterparts, meaning that you can save money on your energy bills.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new water heating system for your business, a commercial boiler may be the best option for you. They offer many benefits, including customization, higher hot water output, increased durability and efficiency, and money savings. When choosing a commercial boiler, it is important to select one that is durable and reliable. You should also consider how the boiler will be used and what type of output you need. By taking these factors into account, you can select a commercial boiler that will save money and provide the level of performance you need.

Our experts here at Teems Electric are on hand to answer any questions you may have about commercial boiler use, installation, repair, and more. Give us a call today!

There are a few key ways to reduce energy consumption in an industrial plant or facility. One way is to regularly audit the plant to find where energy is being wasted. Second, make sure all the machines and equipment are properly maintained so they don’t have to use as much energy to achieve the same results. Third, install energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems.

Finally, educate employees on energy conservation and make it a policy to only use as much energy as is absolutely necessary. If you implement these strategies, you will see a reduction in your energy consumption and costs. In addition, your company will be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Conduct Audits Consistently

Auditing the plant regularly is a key strategy for reducing energy consumption. By identifying areas where energy is being wasted, you can make changes. Common areas where energy is wasted include lighting, heating, cooling, and equipment operation.

There are a few steps to conducting a plant audit. The goal is to find where energy is being wasted. First, you need to develop a system for auditing the plant. This system should include guidelines for what areas will be audited and how often the audits will take place. Once the system is in place, you can start conducting audits.

When auditing the plant, it is important to look at all aspects of energy consumption. This includes electricity, natural gas, propane, and fuel oil. You should also look at how the plant is using water and other resources. After identifying areas where energy is being wasted, you can then make changes to improve efficiency.

Maintain All Machines and Equipment to Reduce Energy Consumption

Maintaining machines and equipment properly is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption in an industrial plant or facility. When machinery is not well-maintained, it can use more energy than necessary. This not only wastes energy but increases operating costs. Even if you run a gas boiler, there are steps you can take to maximize the efficiency of your equipment.

If you want to save energy, you should make sure that machines are running efficiently. You should also lubricate and calibrate equipment regularly. This will help you save money in the long run.

Install Energy-Efficient Lighting and Heating/Cooling in Your Facility

Installing energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems are two of the best ways to reduce energy consumption in an industrial plant.

There are many different types of energy-efficient lighting. LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs. CFLs are more efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs, but they contain mercury, so be sure to dispose of them properly. Halogen bulbs are not as energy-efficient as LED or CFL bulbs, but they do produce more light.

You can also make heating and cooling systems more energy-efficient. To do this, install programmable thermostats and make sure that the systems are properly maintained. There are also a few other options to choose from when it comes to industrial heating and cooling. One option is a heat pump, which uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. Another option is an absorption chiller, which uses heat to generate chilled water.

Utilizing one of these energy-efficient lighting and heating and cooling system options might just have the biggest impact on your bottom line. Making this change can save thousands on costs each year without negatively impacting your workflow or process.

Educate Employees on Energy Conservation

One of the last – and perhaps most important – ways to reduce energy consumption is to educate your team leaders and employees on energy conservation. By teaching your team about energy efficiency, they can make changes in their daily routines that will help to save energy company-wide. In addition, employee education can help to create a company culture that values sustainability and conserving resources, without compromising on the quality of products and work processes.

That’s a Wrap on How to Reduce Energy Consumption

When you audit the plant to find where energy is being wasted, maintain machines and equipment properly, and install energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems, you are reducing energy consumption in your industrial setting. Additionally, educating your employees on how to conserve energy can be effective in reducing overall consumption.

Reducing your energy consumption is good for the environment and can save your company money. In this blog post, we outline a few strategies that you can use to reduce energy waste in your industrial plant or facility. We hope you can implement some of these changes and see a reduction in your monthly usage – and your energy bill!

Commercial boilers are an important part of any business. They work by using fuel or electricity to provide heat and hot water for all sorts of purposes, from heating the building to washing dishes and clothes. But like any other piece of equipment, commercial boilers need regular maintenance and occasional repair to keep them in good working order.

If you’re noticing problems with your boiler, it’s important to act fast. Small issues can often be resolved with a simple repair, but if left unchecked, they can lead to major problems down the line. In some cases, it may even be necessary to replace the entire boiler.

Common Problems with Commercial Boilers

– Lack of heat

– Boiler not kicking on

– Low water pressure

– Leaks

– No hot water

– Steam leaks

– Rust and corrosion

Signs that Your Boiler Needs Repair

One of the most obvious signs that your commercial boiler needs repair is if it’s not producing any heat. If you turn on the heat and nothing happens, it’s time to call in a professional. Other signs that there may be a problem with your boiler include:

– Water leakage

– Strange noises coming from the boiler

– The boiler shutting off unexpectedly

– The Pilot light going out

If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible. Trying to repair a boiler yourself can be dangerous, and it’s always best to leave it to the experts.

Keep Your Boiler Running with Regular Care and Maintenance

Most commercial boiler problems can be prevented with regular maintenance. Make sure to have your boiler serviced by a quality technician at least once a year, and preferably twice. This will help to catch any small problems before they turn into big ones.

Regularly check the pressure gauge and water level. This will ensure that the boiler is operating safely and efficiently at all times. In addition, be sure to keep the boiler clean. Any dirt or dust can cause the boiler to overheat or shut off unexpectedly. If you have a gas boiler, be sure to check the Pilot light regularly to make sure it’s still lit.

If you’re noticing any of these signs that your commercial boiler needs repair, it’s important that you take action as soon as possible. Small problems can often be resolved, but if left unchecked, they lead to major problems down the line.

Teems Electric has the experts you need on call. Contact us today to schedule routine maintenance, specific repairs, or boiler replacements.

Electric boilers get a bad reputation because they are usually more expensive to operate than their gas counterparts. However, industrial electric boilers offer plenty of advantages that other types do not. Here we’ll try to give you the info needed to help you determine if an industrial electric boiler is the right choice for your business. Plus, you can always reach out to our resident STEAM team to answer any questions you might have!

What is an industrial electric boiler?

First, we must determine what an industrial electric boiler is. An electric boiler passes water through en electric element, which heats it up to either heat your building or to have hot water and, in some cases, steam.

It is well known that electricity is usually more expensive than gas. However, industrial electric boilers can heat water overnight when the tariffs are lower. That allows them to store the water in an insulated tank for later use. The stored hot water allows electric boilers to meet demands for hot water much quicker and with high pressure.

Green Options

If you have solar panels installed on your business, you can have a completely green heating system. Solar panel technology has evolved a long way in the past few years. They pay for themselves with energy savings on average in about eight years after installation.

Industrial electric boilers last for around twenty to thirty years with proper maintenance before they need replacing. This option doesn’t burn gases or release harmful waste into the atmosphere. This makes it an even greener option. That means around two decades of environmentally friendly heating with the use of solar panels!

Cheaper to Install

Industrial electric boilers don’t require gas line installation on your place of business. In some areas finding and installing gas lines to a property can become a challenging and expensive proposition.

Having said that, an electrician should look at your building’s electrical grid and see if it can handle the new industrial electric boiler. If it can’t, you may need new wiring, which might get expensive fast!

Always ask for an expert’s opinion before committing to a new boiler!

Highly Efficient

Electric boilers don’t lose energy through waste gases. They are the most efficient out of all the heating solutions. Their efficiency can reach as high as 99%.

Safer than Other Options

They don’t release harmful CO2 like other boiler systems, which could prove lethal if not closely monitored.

No Annual Service Necessary

Natural gas and oil boiler rooms need to be serviced at least once a year. Industrial electric boilers do not. This is one less point of failure and you don’t risk damaging your boiler by forgetting to service it on time.

No Moving Parts

No moving parts means fewer points of failure, less maintenance, less noise, and less wear and tear.

The quiet operation is a big plus, especially on buildings where the work area is close to the boiler room. Working without constant humming is a blessing that we hardly ever appreciate.

Vulnerability to Blackouts

One of the potential downsides of industrial electric boilers is that they go down if the grid goes down. That means that if a snowstorm knocks out the lights, you are in for a bad time. That’s just one more reason to install solar and power banks to be self-reliant.

Are you looking for a new industrial electric boiler?

Here at Teems Electric, we specialize in boiler room installation. If you are interested in purchasing and installing a new boiler or replacing your old boiler, let us help you choose the one that’s right for your business.

Everyone interacts with metal objects on a daily basis, yet few people stop to think about how they are made. Welding, bending, machining, there are plenty of ways to shape metal. Maybe you have a project you want to complete with metal, but can’t picture the process or how much work goes into it. Teems mechanical experts are sharing an introduction to what’s involved in the process of metal fabrication.

What is metal fabrication

Putting it in simple terms, it is the process of taking a piece of metal, like a block or a sheet, and turning it into something useful. There are many processes that allow a fabricator to do just that. There is usually more than one way to achieve the same end product, so it’s up to the craftsman to decide which technique best suits the project at hand.

Often times a machinist will see a project, and will have to decide between milling a block or running it through a turning machine or lathe first. Picking the “wrong” choice can mean dozens of hours unnecessarily added to a project. So an experienced machinist can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. We’ll do a short explanation of what each of these processes consists of.

Milling and machining

When milling, the workpiece stays stationary, and the tool rotates at high speeds to cut the material. This allows mills, drills, and many other types of tools to cut away the metal and shape it into the desired form. Since the invention of computer numerical control machines (CNC) in the ’60s, milling machines evolved into machining centers.

Old milling machines required an operator to manually move the tool one axis at the time. Some of the most experienced master machinists could move the tool on two axes at the time at the most.

Servo motors and computer controls allow modern machining centers to move the tool in all the machine’s available axes simultaneously. While in the past, they used to be limited to three, modern machines are now usually equipped with five axes of motion. This allows for far more complex work done in considerably fewer hours and using unskilled operators.

Turning the workpiece

When a piece is run through a lathe or turning machine, the tool does not rotate like in the milling process. Instead, the workpiece rotates at high speed, and the tool moves in two axes, cutting into it and reshaping it.

This process is usually considerably faster than using a milling machine. However, it is far more limited in what endproducts it can achieve. Because the workpiece is rotating, running it through a lathe will always result in a cylindrical piece. Even though it is faster than milling, using a turning machine alone will probably not be enough to achieve your desired product. They are often used together with machining centers. Turning the piece first to approximate it to the final product, and then milling it the rest of the way. Doing this usually saves both time and money.

Sheet metal working

Sheet metal is probably the most common metal form an average person interacts within their daily lives. Everything from a car’s body, to appliances, shipping containers, etc. is done by working on sheet metal.

There are many things you can do with it, cut it, bend it, weld it, rivet it, etc. Just like machining, choosing the right technique can save your project countless manhours.

For example, when building a metal container that’s supposed to be watertight, bending it its always preferable than welding or riveting it. For example, building a metal box by cutting six squares and then welding them all together is highly inefficient. You would have to spend a lot of time welding everything together. If the sheet metal isn’t thick enough to sustain the heat, it will deform the material. It also gives you more failure points, where the welding can fail, and water or gasoline could leak through it. If you instead bend the material to create two “c” shaped pieces and then weld them together, you can save yourself a lot of work by having to weld less, and you now have fewer points of failure. It is little details like this why getting an experienced fabricator can help you save costs and time.

Welding and riveting

Welding is the process by which two pieces of metal are fused together, using heat to melt a filler material at their boundaries.

Riveting uses a permanent mechanical fastener to join two pieces of sheet metal together. The rivet is introduced through a hole drilled on both pieces and then it’s deformed to safely secure them both in place.

Riveting is especially useful when trying to fuse two pieces of different materials. For example, fusing an aluminum sheet to a stainless steel one can prove difficult. It is usually faster and cheaper to use rivets to fuse them together.

Sheet metal stamping or deep drawing

Metal parts can also be formed by using a press to stretch the material into a cavity, which is the negative of the desired form. This process is called deep drawing or stamping.

This process can create box and bowl shapes items very fast and precisely. It has the advantage of needing no welding or rivets, which means its more likely to be watertight. It is more practical to use with ductile materials like aluminum, copper, brass, etc.

This is the metal fabrication process commonly used to create car bodies. It is what allows them to be built so fast on such a massive level of production. Using it, thousands of pieces can be produced every day that would take hundreds of manhours if they were milled or cast instead.

The downside to this metal fabrication method is the upfront investment. It requires very expensive machinery and a new “mold” for every piece. The mold needs to be machined using a machining center. Because of this, it takes a considerable amount of time and money to manufacture.

Our machine experts here at Teems Electric are here to help make your next metal project a reality. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the services we offer and see how we can meet your needs!

Most people associate a gas boiler with energy savings. While it is true that gas is cheaper than electricity it doesn’t mean you should get lazy and tolerate an inefficient system. Heating is an expensive process, and responsible owners should always be looking for ways to maximize their efficiency to help keep costs down.

Both home and industrial gas boilers should take measures to reduce fuel consumption. Here’s a short list of a few steps you can take to increase your boiler’s fuel efficiency.

Heat conservation

Heat conservation is the main way to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Conserving heat is the easiest way to reduce fuel consumption. Perform a combustion efficiency test regularly. You can hire an energy efficiency specialist to perform an audit and identify issues with your gas boiler. Regular maintenance and tuning of the burner may seem like a burdensome cost, but it pays for itself in a rather short period.

Insulating hot water pipes is a great way to increase efficiency. Also, insulating the boiler itself is also instrumental in running an efficient system.

Modernize sensors and controls

Boilers can last anywhere between one and two decades. Replacing them is a long and expensive process. Don’t let the fact that your boiler is ten years old stop you from overhauling your controls and sensors. These can easily increase your efficiency while being relatively cheap.

Those sensors can give the energy efficiency auditor important information that can help him identify inefficiencies. A permanent stack thermometer is particularly useful when looking for inefficient combustion.

A water temperature sensor can help you to avoid overheating the water on your home or business. Doing so helps you avoid scalding accidents, and can severely reduce fuel consumption.

General maintenance

Properly maintaining steam traps, air valves, and filters is essential to run a boiler efficiently. These should be inspected at least once a year to ensure they are in good working order.

The importance of maintenance not only applies to the boiler itself but to the building as well. In order to save on fuel, the warm air must remain inside the building. That’s why it’s important to properly maintain windows and doors by replacing seals, gaskets, and recaulking when necessary.

Replacing single glazed windows and french doors with double glazed ones can significantly improve insulation, and they should pay for themselves in less than a decade.

Zone control

Large buildings often have zones that need more heating than others. That depends on many things like if sunlight is heating one side of the building and not another at a certain hour.

Having your heating system divided into zones allows you to send heat only to the part of the building that needs it—Therefore avoiding waste and increasing efficiency. Modern sensors and controls can help you better control or even automate this process.

If you need help to improve your boiler’s efficiency or upgrade to a newer, more efficient one altogether, let us help you choose the right one for you.

An HVAC system provides thermal comfort with indoor air quality; its initials stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. An HVAC’s equipment includes heating equipment, ventilation equipment, and cooling or air-conditioning equipment. Their convenience makes them suitable for use in industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.

HVAC systems can be classified according to the heating, the cooling, and ventilation processes. Their distribution system varies according to the refrigerant type and the delivery method, such as air handling equipment, fan coils, air ducts, and water pipes.

Components of an HVAC System

The essential elements of an HVAC system are:

Mixed-air plenum and outdoor air control
Air filter
Supply fan
Exhaust or relief fans and an air outlet
Outdoor air intake
Ducts
Terminal devices
Return air system
Heating and cooling coils
Self-contained heating or cooling unit
Cooling tower
Boiler
Control
Water chiller
Humidification and dehumidification equipment

Functions of an HVAC System

An HVAC system controls the environment in which it works. It regulates the temperature of a room through heating and cooling. It also controls the humidity level in that environment by varying the movement and distribution of air inside the room. The system also ensures the cleanliness of the air.

Types of HVAC Systems

Split and Window AC Systems

In a window AC, fans blow air through the coils, separating the heat and cold. Heat gets lost to the outside air while introducing cold is into the room.

While window AC serves single rooms, Split ACs regulate air in larger. The split AC focuses on splitting the cold from the hot side of the system. The cold coil and the expansion valve are located on the air handler. The handler blows air over it and the cooled air is distributed to various rooms in the building through the air ducts.

Packaged Heating & Air Conditioning System

These units have both heating and cooling equipment in a single “package.” Users can place them in mechanical rooms, on the rooftop, or at a grade close to the conditioning space.

Unlike in split systems where the cold and hot units are separate, the package AC has all the components in one unit. These elements have a centrifugal fan or blower that helps distribute the air throughout the different ambients of the building.

Central AC Systems

Most of the air conditioners in residential buildings are split systems. They have the same operation as the Split System, only on a larger scale. The compressor uses electricity as its source of power to pump the refrigerant across the system collecting indoor heat and removing it from the indoors. The heat dissipates outdoors by the coil in the condensing unit.

Warm air indoors gets blown through the indoor coil (cold) to remove moisture and heat. The heat in the air transfers to the coil, and thus the air cools. The water vapor condenses and collects inside a drain pan. It goes outside through the condensate drain.

The HVAC regulates the indoor temperature pumping the heat outdoors after flowing through the evaporator coil while the now cooled air inside the room circulates through the fan on the air handler.

Factors to Consider when Selecting an HVAC System

- The age and size of your home or office.
- The number of ambients to heat or air-condition.
- The local climate.
- The utility costs at the local and regional level.

Conclusion

An adequately maintained HVAC system will regulate your home or office temperature and humidity economically and effectively. Besides, it is environmentally friendly. If you need to consult an expert about what type of HVAC system is adequate for your specific needs, please contact us here.

Sources: US Department of Energy, www.intechopen.com

To make your home or office energy efficient without investing too much, you’d better follow these recommendations made by the US Department of Energy.

Thermostat Operation

You can save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.

You save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.

In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with central air conditioning by keeping your house warmer than normal when you are away, and setting the thermostat to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling.

Ducts

Ducts that leak heated air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills, but you can reduce that loss by sealing and insulating your ducts. Insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces is usually very cost-effective.

Cooling

Set your programmable thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer and raise the setpoint when you’re sleeping or away from home.
Clean or replace filters on air conditioners once a month or as recommended.
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you have cooked or bathed; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
During summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.
Select energy-efficient products when you buy new cooling equipment.

Heating

Set your programmable thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and lower the setpoint when you’re sleeping or away from home.
Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as recommended.
Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if unsure about how to perform this task, contact a professional.
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
During winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Select energy-efficient products when you buy new heating equipment.

Water Heating

Water heating accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use. Reducing your hot water use, employing energy-saving strategies, and choosing an energy-efficient water heater for your home pool can help you reduce your monthly water heating bills.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money.

Solar

Solar water heaters — also called solar domestic hot water systems — can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use — sunshine — is free.

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which do not.

Reduce Hot Water Use

You can lower your water heating costs by using and wasting less hot water in your home. Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 18% of your utility bill after heating and cooling. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and purchase an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

Lower Water Heater Temperature

Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.

Conclusion

Following these simple recommendations issued by the US Department of Energy will save you money and make your home or office more efficient. If you are interested in further exploring any of the aspects discussed here, please contact us here.

Sources: Us Department of Energy

Natural gas boilers are heating systems that use natural gas as fuel. These types of boilers are common in the urban areas of cold climates, where the natural gas circulates through pipelines located under the streets.

In rural areas, it is more common to use propane gas as fuel. The long distances between homes make more efficient distributing gas by trucks and delivering it to large storage tanks located in the home’s yards. Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but both of them are more affordable than heating oil or fuel.

A boiler system heats water in a tank that supplies either hot water or steam that flows through pipes and radiators to heat different spaces. There are two types of natural gas boilers, hot water, and steam boilers.

Types of Natural Gas Boilers

Steam boiler systems heat water to create steam, which is distributed through the house’s radiators. Hot water boiler systems heat water and pump it through the house’s radiators and baseboards. They also distribute water for purposes other than heating. As a result, they eliminate the installation of a separate system for bathing and cooking. Both boiler systems heat water as the primary source of heat. Nevertheless, they differ in the way that they produce the heat.

Heat Production

Steam boiler systems heat the water beyond the boiling point to create steam. The steam travels through a series of pipes to the radiators located in the house. Hot water boiler systems do not need to heat the water to produce steam. They pump warm water through the series of pipes, radiators, and baseboards around the home, heating the different spaces. The condensed steam, in one case, and the cold water in the other, travel back to the boiler to repeat the cycle.

Accessory Parts

Hot water boiler systems need a pump to distribute the hot water through the different spaces of the house, and to bring the cold water back to be reheated. A steam boiler system, on the contrary, does not need a pump because the steam travels through the pipes by pressure, and the condensed steam travels back via gravity.

Hot water boilers require other series of accessories, like temperature and pressure regulators, check valve, radiator bleeders, and expansion tank.

Cost and Energy Usage

Both systems have around the same installation costs. However, their energy efficiency differs because of operational reasons. Steam boilers use more energy to boil the water because they need to produce steam. But they use less energy because the steam travels by pressure and has a more efficient heat transfer. Although hot water systems need less energy to heat the water, they consume more energy to transport and transfer the heat.

High-Efficiency

The Federal Trade Commission requires that new boilers display their AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) so that the consumers can compare them. For instance, an AFUE of 70% means that 70% of the energy produced heat, while 30% was wasted. They have a rating system that goes from old, low-efficiency, to new, high-efficiency.

AFUE of 56% – 70%. Old Low-efficiency Boilers.
AFUE of 78%. New, Minimum- Efficiency Standard Boilers.
AFUE of 80% -83%. New, Mid- Efficiency Boilers.
AFUE of 90% – 98%. New, High – Efficiency Boilers.

Because High –Efficiency Boilers convert almost all the fuel consumed into heat, they significantly lower the amount of fuel used by the boiler, which translates in energy savings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the use of a High-efficiency Boiler, reduces the fuel bill in half, compared to the fuel consumption of an old, low-efficient boiler.

Conclusion

Natural gas boilers of the two types – Steam Boilers and Hot Water Boilers – are highly efficient heating systems that can last a long time if the owner maintains them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They have different ways of operating and of heat distribution and exchange. If you know the fundamental differences between the two types of boilers, you have a higher probability of selecting the one that will offer you the most advantages in comfort and cost.

If you need a natural gas boiler, consult the experts here.

When a boiler needs repair it gives different signals, of which you need to be aware to prevent accidents or costlier repairs down the road.

Here is a list of the most common problems that a boiler presents when it needs a repair job.

1. There is no heat or hot water.

In the case of lack of heat or hot water, there can be several causes for the malfunction of the boiler, like low water levels, a breakdown on the heating element, failure in valves or airlocks.

2. The pilot light goes out frequently.

If it is a gas boiler, check for air drafts, or deposit build-up. If it is electric, check the power supply and the circuit breaker switch.

3. The condensate pipe freezes

The condensate pipe expels acidic water. Usually, this pipe drains outside and is exposed to the weather. In case of extremely low temperatures, the water in the pipe freezes, causing a blockage, which originates a condensate back up, shutting the boiler down.

4. Sounds

Kettling is a sound similar to the one produced by a kettle boiling on your stovetop. In regions of hard water, calcium carbonate leaves a residue that builds upon the boiler’s heat exchange, and salt that settles on the bottom of the boiler. When the water gets too hot, salt steams, expanding the boiler and causing the kittling sound. If there is a sound like that coming from your boiler, call a technician right away.

Banging

Banging is usually caused by air in the system or a broken pump.

Popping or cracking

It is probably caused by mineral deposits, which prevent the boiler from heating the water properly.

Grinding

Faulty bearings generally produce grinding noises in the water pump.

5. Loss of pressure of hot water

Check the user manual for an explanation about how to restore pressure in the boiler. A cause of loss of pressure might be a water leak in the water lines or recent bleeding of the radiators. Other reasons may be build up into the water pipes that restrict the water flow, or an open valve.

6. The boiler switches off.

The causes may be low water pressure, thermostat problems, the air in the system, or a broken pump.

7. Problems with thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause many of the other issues in the boiler. Check the thermostat, and if it is malfunctioning, change it.

8. Overheating boiler

Check the temperature settings; there might be a failure in the control systems. Additionally, check the thermostat.

9. Leaking boiler

A leaking boiler waists fuel and works in excess because it has to make up for the lost water by heating more quantities of cold water.
Check if it is on the pressure relief valve due to excess pressure.
The temperature of the boiler is too high if the leak is on the temperature valve.
Corrosion may be the cause of the leak is located on the pipes or tanks.
Lack of heat in the radiator
When the bottom of the radiator is hot, and the top is warm, there is air in the system. Bleed the radiator.

10. Oil-gas odors

In case of an unusual smell, like oil or gas, open the windows, turn off the control valve, leave your house and call an emergency service immediately. Do not try to fix this problem by yourself. Install a carbon monoxide detector. It is the best preventive measure if your boiler works with natural gas.

11. Sediment

When the water comes out muddy, it is a signal that the boiler has an accumulation of deposits. The best course of action is to call a technician.

12. Rust

If the boiler shows rust, it is probably best to change it.

Conclusion

A well kept modern boiler should give you years of good service. On the other hand, boilers that are several years of use need maintenance and repair. Hence, it would be better if you are aware of the signals that they give when they are malfunctioning, to avoid major damages or probable injuries. If you need to maintain or repair your boiler contact us here.

Sources: The Spruce