How they keep your home warm and comfortable

To the layperson, boilers and water heaters may appear to be quite alike since they both serve the purpose of heating water in your home.

Although boilers and water heaters may have similar appearances, they actually serve different functions. The team of professional technicians at NOCO are experts in boiler installation, maintenance, and repairs so yours operate with maximum energy efficiency while keeping you comfortable in your Western New York home.

NOCO’s affordable maintenance plans not only make it easy to keep up with your boiler, but they also come with coverage for many parts and labor costs so you don’t have to worry about a huge repair bill.
Here’s a primer on both boilers and water heaters so you have a better idea of how each work.

How does a boiler work?

A boiler is a closed-loop system that uses water to generate heat and circulate it around your home either as heated water or steam. It does not require fresh water as the system is closed and the water does not need to be potable.

The components of a boiler include:

• Burner, where the fuel (gas or oil) is combusted
• Heat exchanger, where the heat produced by combustion is sent and steam is generated
• Piping, which distributes the steam through your home
• Valves, which are on gas boilers to let the boiler receive the gas needed to ignite the pilot light and burner
• Vent, which allows the built-up gases to safely exit your home

Water and steam are highly effective at carrying heat, providing a more consistent and evenly distributed temperature than forced-air heating. The heat is also less drying for skin, furniture, and fabrics as forced-air heat from furnaces.

How does a water heater work?

There are two kinds of water heaters: conventional storage heaters with a tank and tankless water heaters.

A tank water heater uses either gas or electricity to heat up water until it reaches the temperature you set. The heated water is then stored in a tank until you need it. The reheating process begins again once the water falls below the set temperature, ensuring that there is always hot water available when needed.

The amount of hot or cold water coming out of your sink or shower is determined by how much you rotate the handle on your faucet or the temperature setting in your washing machine or dishwasher. When you turn on your shower or sink, cold water enters the heating system and the heated water is pushed through the pipes to its destination. The pressure in your pipes determines how this process works.

A tankless water heater is a fantastic way to save on your energy costs. With this type of system, hot water is only heated when it’s needed. This can end up saving you 40% or more on your water heating energy costs!

Do you need boiler services for your home? Contact the equipment experts at NOCO so your home can stay warm and comfy this winter!