Boiler Types - There are many different types of boilers in the boiler room today in a variety of heating applications. There are two main categories of boilers among the different boilers and those two categories are steam boilers and hot water boilers. Either of those categories can be fueled by oil, gas, or electric (although electric is uncommon for steam boilers). (more…)
Hot Water Boiler Reset Control - Richard, We are looking at replacing our boiler with a new hot water boiler. The HVAC contractor, I suppose he is the salesman for the HVAC contractor, is trying to sell us what he refers to as a reset control for our boiler. He tells us it will save us more money by making our boiler more efficient. I think I understand how it works but my wife is not entirely sure about it. Can you tell us what you think about a boiler reset control and how it works?
Thanks, and we have learned so much from High Performance HVAC. And keep up the good work.
Brent (more…)
Boiler Stainless Steel Exhaust Flue Stack: This is a photo of a boiler stainless steel exhaust stack. It is used for venting corrosive boiler combustion gases. As the flue gases leave the boiler they cool and depending on the dew point of the gas, the gas will experience a change of state. It will change from a gas to a liquid. This liquid is highly corrosive and only special flues like stainless steel vent can be used when this occurs. Stainless steel prevents premature failure of the boiler vent.
There are many considerations to consider with a new installation of a heating system in comparison to the type of vent to be utilized. The venting system used to vent the gases from the boiler or furnace safely outdoors. It is imperative that safety guidelines be followed when installing any type of venting system for furnaces or boilers using fossil fuels. For detailed information concerning code requirements for installation of venting systems see the IFGC or International Fuel Gas Code. Chapter 5 and Appendix C of the IFGC offer detailed requirements for the installation of venting systems.
Never sacrifice safely, consult a professional when in doubt. There are many rules to follow. A professional will know these rules and apply them as they install the system. They will also, have the system inspected by the code official in your area to double-check to ensure safety guidelines were followed
Boiler Circulator Pump: The boiler circulator pump induces the flow of hot water through the boiler and the boiler loop. Usually, the boiler circulator pump is controlled by the aquastat. However, there are various levels of control that can be found that control pumps.
One way is by the aquastat as mentioned above. Another way is an end switch in a zone valve. A thermostat in a particular zone will call for heat and the thermostat calls for the zone valve to open.
When the zone valve is fully open, an end switch closes the circuit to energize the circulator pump. Typically, the circuit is a control circuit so when the end switch closes it closes the circuit for a relay to energize the circulator pump (more…)
The residential steam boiler is still alive and well despite the fact that some HVAC professionals refer to it and the steam boiler profession as the dead man’s club. However, there are not a lot of HVAC boiler technicians or HVAC companies that specialize in steam boilers because there are not a lot of steam boilers used for residential and light commercial applications. (more…)
Hot Water Boiler Expansion Tanks - There are two types of expansion tanks used on hot water boiler systems. The steel expansion tank and the bladder-type expansion tank. These expansion tanks are used to provide a cushion for the expansion of water when it is heated.
Without this cushion of air, the pressure in the boiler system would exceed the setting on the pressure relief valve. Finally, this will cause the pressure relief valve to open and discharge water to relieve the pressure. (more…)
Boiler Components Controls - All hot water boilers must have an expansion tank. Water expands when it is heated. There must be a place for it to expand so that the pressure in the boiler loop remains constant. Without a hot water boiler expansion tank, the pressures in the boiler loop system would vary wildly.
Most likely, the pressure will exceed the maximum pressures designed for the boiler hot water loop system. This will result in setting off the pressure relief valve. (more…)
An outside boiler is prone to flooding
What Happens When My Boiler is Flooded - Richard, What Happens When My Boiler is Flooded? - Hurricane Irene was a disaster for us as we live in a Northern state that was hit by flooding from the rain of Hurricane Irene. As a result of the loss of power and the flooding, the basement was flooded.
Our boiler happens to be in the basement and we will soon need the heat. We have had a few contractors come by and look at the boiler with one contractor telling us we need to replace the boiler and another telling us we can rebuild the boiler. It is a little overwhelming given that winter is just around the corner and we need our heat. (more…)
Boiler Pipe Insulation - Energy Efficiency - Richard, I have lots of my boiler pipe under the house in a crawl space and some in the basement, and none of this pipe is insulated. I just bought the house last year and this past winter my gas bill was crazy high. Can I increase efficiency by insulating these pipes and what are some other ways to keep the gas bill lower by optimizing the boiler system?
Thanks and I look forward to your answer……….Bill – Pittsburgh, PA
(more…)
Commercial Boiler Stack Economizer - This is not a normal commercial boiler stack in this boiler room. It has a bypass stack for a commercial hot water economizer. All boilers have make-up water to make up for water lost in the systems, especially for domestic hot water use.
An economizer makes things more efficient. In this regard, the economizer utilizes waste heat. Waste heat is normally vented into the atmosphere. This system was specially engineered and tested to ensure the proper operation of the design. (more…)
