Blog Layout

How Boiler Systems Operate: A Comprehensive Guide

August 12, 2024
In its most basic form, a boiler is designed to take in water and then heat it to produce hot water or steam. The boiler system then distributes the heat created from the boiled water or stream through hot water pipes. The heat from these pipes comes out of baseboards or radiators to keep a house warm during winter.

Most boiler systems use hot water or steam, but others also use gas, oil, or even wood to create warmth. However, many people still wonder how a boiler system works. Let’s find out.

How Does a Boiler System Work?

If you purchase a boiler today and want to know how it works, the process is outlined as follows:
  1. A boiler system includes a thermostat. When the thermostat detects a drop in the home’s temperature, it activates the boiler.
  2. The boiler automatically powers on and can generate heat using gas, oil, or electricity.
  3. Regardless of the power source, the boiler produces heat that warms the water inside it.
  4. The heated water is then circulated throughout the home via a radiant floor system or radiators, where it releases heat to warm the air.
  5. After the hot water releases its heat, it cools down. If it is steam, the steam will release its heat and condense. The condensed steam or cooled water returns to the boiler, where it is reheated and recirculated to continue heating your home.
  6. This process repeats until the home reaches the desired temperature. The thermostat detects the temperature increase and signals the boiler to shut off.

Forms of Heating in a Boiler System

Gas, oil, and electric boilers heat homes in two different ways. Boilers use hot water or steam.

Hot Water Boilers

When you hear about a hot water boiler, the first thing that probably comes to mind is that it actually boils water. However, hot water boilers do not boil water. They heat water to 140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and then an electrical pump pushes the hot water throughout the home.

Steam Boilers

Steam boilers need steam to keep your home warm. Like the hot water boiler, a steam boiler heats water beyond the boiling point to produce steam. The home’s radiators or radiant floor systems then distribute steam throughout the home.

Contact Us for Boiler Services

If you are seeking commercial boiler services in Oklahoma, including installation, repair, and maintenance, look no further than Jackson Mechanical Service. Our experts will assess your heating needs and recommend the most efficient boiler to meet those specific requirements.
By Jackson Mechanical Services Jackson Mechanical Services August 26, 2024
If you are thinking about a career as a plumber, you should be aware that there are different types of plumbers. Knowing these different types of plumbers and the services associated with each type can give you a heads-up on which direction you should take in order to build a successful career. Let’s explore what types of plumbers there are and what they do.
By Jackson Mechanical Services Jackson Mechanical Services August 19, 2024
Extreme temperatures can make a home a very uncomfortable place to live in. For instance, extremely low temperatures during winter can make it hard for one to enjoy the indoors. In summer, extremely high temperatures can make staying indoors an impossibility. As a result, many homes have an HVAC system for heating and cooling. These heating and cooling systems use air that flows through extensive ductwork to keep the home comfortable. However, something else ensures that the required airflow is achieved in the ductwork and the HVAC system, and that thing is the plenum.
By Jackson Mechanical Services Jackson Mechanical Services August 7, 2024
Fires in residential or commercial buildings occur as a result of different reasons. If you are unsure about any fire, you could try using the smell and taste to determine the cause of a fire. Let’s look at what an electrical fire smells like before it starts.
More Posts
Share by: