Heating systems that use water or steam for heating are known as “boilers.”  Next to furnaces, boilers are the second most common heating system in the United States.

A boiler uses natural gas, oil or electricity to heat water or produce steam, which is circulated through a network of pipes into radiators, baseboard convectors, radiant floors or fan-forced coils. The piping systems are different for each type of boiler. The hot water system boiler uses a pump to circulate the hot water while the steam boiler uses its own pressure to circulate the steam throughout the system. Hot water systems with a pump (“hydronic” systems) are most common.

Conventional, older boiler systems may only be 60% efficient, but many homes still have them. These systems tend to be oversized, further increasing energy costs. In addition, boilers may not have programmable thermostats and radiators may not have thermostatic control valves. This lack of automated control increases energy use due to overheating.

Upgrading to a new boiler can often save you money. High-performance equipment helps maintain a consistent temperature to make your home more comfortable as well as energy efficient.

Best Practices for Boiler Improvements