Boiler Reviews Boiler Efficiency Options

High Performance HVAC wants to help you understand your next boiler purchase better. To do this we want to break down all the different types of boilers, boiler components, and various options and features that you may find when seeking a boiler for purchase. Typically you want to find a like replacement for the boiler you currently have installed or if you are buying a new boiler you want a boiler that will handle the load and is durable. The most important feature about a boiler purchase is usually the fuel efficiency of the boiler.

Boiler Automatic Flue Dampers

There are usually options you can get with a boiler that will make the boiler more efficient for example.....and automatic flue damper. The automatic flue damper will automatically open up when the boiler fires and automatically close when the boiler burners shut off. This automatic flue damper holds heat inside the boiler. Without an automatic vent damper the heat will rise up the flue contributing greatly to heat loss during the off cycle of the boiler. Since the boiler usually cycles based on the temperature inside the boiler heat exchanger the longer you can keep the heat inside the boiler heat exchanger the least the boiler burners will cycle to heat the boiler heat exchanger up to the aquastat setting temperature. The aquastat controls the boiler burners and typically the circulator pump for the zone or zones in the boiler piping system. Note, that an automatic vent damper is not applicable to condensing gas or oil boilers as the condensing gas or oil boiler utilizes the maximum amount of heat that the boiler produces. The flue pipe for condensing gas or oil boilers is typically PVC pipe but the heat loss experienced with a condensing gas or oil boiler is usually very minimal to nil through the flue pipe.

Boiler Outside Ambient Temperature Reset Control

A boiler reset control is a device that will adjust the upper limit set point on the boiler as the outside air temperature changes. If it is colder outside the boiler will operate at temperatures to 100% of design limits based on the reset temperature control for a boiler. When the temperatures are milder or warmer outside this set point on the boiler will be lowered automatically by the boiler reset controller. Changing the set point on the outside air temperature will help you save energy when the weather is not so cold outside and still keep you comfortable even on the coldest nights by raising the temperature the boilers operates at for a water temperature set point.

Typically outside air temperature boiler resets are sold as an optional component. High Performance HVAC recommends to consumers who purchase boilers that they have the installation contractor install a outside air temperature reset controller. It will cost you an additional fee and sometimes this can be negotiated when you are negotiating for the boiler installation costs. A few boiler manufacturers automatically provide outside air temperature reset controllers with their boilers so make sure you ask about this feature.

Condensing Boilers

When making the decision to purchase a boiler you should consider a condensing boiler as these boilers are the most efficient boilers you can buy. Efficiency is especially true in modern times with the high cost of fuels for heating systems. Getting the most out of the fuel you purchase is important and condensing boilers offer higher efficiencies than the typical boilers. Give extra attention to condensing boilers over conventional boilers when making a boiler purchase.

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