High Efficiency Boilers

One of the most common home heating systems is a boiler, and that’s especially true for cold-climate areas like the Northeast. Boilers are fueled by natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity or a biodiesel-oil blend, and all types typically last 15 to 30 years. High efficiency boilers get their name from the fact that when they burn the fuel, more of the heat produced helps heat the water. In other systems, a larger portion of the heat is lost during the process, but with high efficiency boilers, the heat is used more efficiently to heat the water and turn it into vapor. New systems are very energy efficient, with efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. In fact, you may be eligible for a tax credit and/or rebate if you have boiler installation in your home.

Choosing a Residential Boiler System

Choosing a new boiler for your home is an important decision because the right fuel and model can help you cut your home’s heating bill substantially. A high efficiency, propane or gas-fired condensing boiler is one of the most economical and clean ways to heat your home, reduce your monthly heating bills, and lessen environmental impact. Shopping for a residential boiler can be confusing, and ultimately, you should reach out to a certified gas fitter and licensed plumber at Sakin Home for guidance. In them meantime, here are some factors to consider when choosing a hot water boiler and heater for your home:

Gas fired, oil fired or electric? Gas powered boilers can use propane or natural gas, although not every home is connected to the gas pipeline. For homes in many towns in Central NH, like Meredith, Holderness, Waterville Valley and Lincoln, propane is the most common fuel. Electric boilers are highly energy efficient, however, they typically are not economical because electricity costs more than other fuel types in many parts of the country.
Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Boiler: A condensing boiler concentrates water vapor produced in the heating process, and uses waste heat to preheat cold water entering the boiler. Non-condensing boilers typically operate at higher temperatures, and some heat ends up being vented outside. While condensing boilers are often 10% more efficient than non-condensing models, they are better suited for some applications than others. Condensing boilers have only recently become a common alternative to non-condensing models in the boiler marketplace. As such, the most common systems in use today, such as baseboard heaters, are not designed to maximize their benefits. This is because these systems were designed to operate with high temperature. Newer system types, such as radiant floor or panel radiator heating systems, are better suited for use with condensing boilers. These systems, especially radiant floor, use lower temperature water, which maximizes the efficiency of condensing boilers.
Sealed Combustion vs. Non-Sealed Combustion: Boilers are either sealed-combustion or non-sealed combustion units. Sealed combustion units are considered more efficient than non-sealed equipment because it does not take air from inside the house to use in the burning process. Therefore, heated indoor air is not pulled into the unit and then lost to the outdoors. Non-sealed combustion boilers draw heated air in and then send it up the chimney, wasting the energy used to heat the air. Also, sealed-combustion boilers won’t introduce dangerous gases into your home.

What to Consider Before your Buy

Climate: If you live in a cold climate, a boiler may be a good choice for your home. But if you live in a warm climate, you may not need a central heating system. In that case, consider a heat pump, which can satisfy your air conditioning needs as well as moderate heating requirements.
Fuel Type: Gas-fueled boilers may cost less to operate than oil-fueled ones if heating oil prices are high. However, the fuel type you choose will depend on what’s available in your area.
Energy Efficiency: Boilers are rated with an annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) score, which tells you how much energy is being converted into useable heat. A home boiler system with an 85% AFUE rating is a high-efficiency boiler. Such a residential boiler will likely be ENERGY STAR certified, too. As stated above, these units may be eligible for both a tax credit and rebate. Oil fired boilers have an AFUE rating of between 80% to 90% while gas-fired models have 89% to 98% AFUE rating. The higher the rating, the higher the equipment cost, but lowers the operating cost.
Sizing: The boiler’s size is as important as its efficiency. If the boiler is undersized, it won’t work efficiently; if it is oversized, it will cost you more to heat your home. Work with a heating and cooling professional at Sakin Home to determine the right boiler type and size. The calculation will take into consideration your home’s foundation, wall thicknesses, insulation values, windows, air filtration and more.
Cooling: Boilers only provide heat; so you’ll need a cooling system, too, if you want to air condition your home.

Sakin Home provides expert advice and boiler installation throughout Central New Hampshire, including the towns of Meredith, Holderness, Waterville Valley and Lincoln. Please call us and talk with our certified gas fitter and licensed NH plumber for guidance on the perfect boiler for your home hot water and heating needs.

High Efficiency Boilers

Choosing a Residential Boiler System

What to Consider Before your Buy

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