Plumber performing boiler repairs

Boilers, Hot Water Heaters and How They Heat Your Home

When homeowners think of staying warm, a reliable furnace is probably the first thing you think of. But plumbing appliances like your hot water heater and even boilers are just as useful. Your hot water heater is vital for laundry or bathing, while boilers can be efficient solutions for whole-home heating. With a skilled team of installers and service technicians, Mark Allencan help make the most of these appliances.

Let’s find out how these two systems are designed. You can make a more informed decision when you’d like to schedule boiler installation of your own. And when you need any sort of boiler repair, give us a call at 412-833-6304.

Understanding How a Boiler Warms Your Home

While furnaces are the most used heating system these days, boilers are frequently good options too. You can still find them in homes with vintage charm by way of standing or baseboard radiators. Today, boilers are making a comeback thanks to innovative innovations.

When the temperature drops beneath your desired settings, the boiler starts heating water for distribution throughout the house. Built-in zone valves guide the water to each radiator using a powerful circulating pump. But now, boilers can also work with conventional HVAC ductwork. A hot water coil is fixed into the air ducts, heating the air by convection before it circulates through your ventilation system.

Most boilers have hot water limits ranging between 180 to 200 degrees (F). To keep the entire supply at useable temperatures, the circulator continues to pump water until the coldest water has made its way back to the system. You’ll want to keep the internal pressure at about 30 pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge found on the boiler enables you to monitor both the pressure and the water’s temperature.

Other vital components include the air scoop, water feeder, expansion tank and relief valve:

  • The air scoop, also referred to as an air separator or air purge, extracts air bubbles held in the water. This helps with noise and prevents air-bound radiation from affecting the system’s efficiency.
  • Automatic water feeders will add water when needed to keep the system full, minimizing potential problems.
  • The expansion tank removes and stores excess water generated throughout the heating process.
  • Lastly, a relief valve keeps the water pressure at safe/efficient levels. Without it, you risk overheating the system or forcing too much water into it.

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First Up: How Do Traditional Water Heaters Work?

In general, a hot water heater consists of a large storage tank with electric or natural gas heating elements. Water held inside the tank is kept hot until you need it. The water is heated to your desired temperature before being sent to the faucet or appliance that needs it. For best results, the water heater’s thermostat should be set between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This lowers the risk of scalding or bacterial growth.

Alternatively, tankless water heaters are comparatively new and lack the storage tank, as the name suggests. Rather, it heats water as it arrives from your main water line. This can be very cost-effective since you’re not constantly heating a lot of water like you would with a traditional tank water heater.

Five Signs Your Boiler May Need Professional Service

Call a trained boiler repair specialist if you recognize any of the following signs:

1

The burner is noisy or emits a smoky odor:

These burner problems often point back to a malfunction in the combustion process. Your technican should inspect the burner assembly itself as well as the air and fuel supply lines.

2

Constant air sounds:

A loud and disruptive boiler can be explained by air stuck somewhere in the system, reducing efficiency. While most of the time it’s due to air pockets in the pipes, there could also be an issue with the circulation pump.

3

Water leaking out from the relief valve:

This suggests that the water pressure inside your boiler is too high. This could be due to a malfunctioning pressure relief valve or a faulty expansion tank.

4

Water leaking from any of the piping connections:

Leaks at the piping connections are usually damaged seals, joints or connections in the system. Sealing up these leaks as soon as you can will limit more damage or loss of efficiency.

5

A burning or smell of gas:

The smell of natural gas or something burning is a concerning sign. There may be a leak in the fuel supply line or a damaged burner assembly. Prompt service ensures safety and prevents the risk of a fire.

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Whether you’re looking to address a problem or you’re thinking about an upgrade, Mark Allen can help.

We can provide expert service for both hot water heaters and boilers, and our seasoned staff will find out what your boiler or hot water heater needs to stay in the best possible shape. Contact us at 412-833-6304 to learn more.

We service a wide range of makes and models, so give us a call today!

Save Even More with Special Offers

A complete sense of comfort shouldn’t be out of anyone’s budget. Mark Allen lightens the load with seasonal promotions, discounts and other special offers. These offers help lower costs for key services, new equipment or whatever else you need for your comfort and peace of mind. Check out our current offers for more details on how to save.

Committed to Comfort from the Very Start

While a long history of service is impressive, nothing is more important to customer satisfaction than a dedication to total comfort. Mark Allen considers your peace of mind our top priority, and that hasn’t changed since we first opened our doors. Learn more about our history, and how our communities support us just as much as we support you.