“A straight-up trade may not net you much in the way of fuel savings without adjustments to the heating system.”Īny boiler with an AFUE rating of 85 percent or more is considered to be a high-efficiency boiler many of these are Energy Star-certified, which means they meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. “Replacing your boiler with a high-efficiency unit may seem like a no-brainer, however, these units require different operating conditions to reach their efficiency ratings,” comments O’Brian. This rating shows how effective the unit is in converting fuel into heating energy. Boiler EfficiencyĪ key factor when shopping for a new boiler is the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. Use this handy BTU calculator to determine what size is appropriate for your home. As an example, if you have a 2,000-square-foot house in a moderate climate, you need a boiler that can produce approximately 70,000 BTUs. Every building has a unique BTU requirement based on its geographical location and climate, the number of windows and doors in the home, and the quality and amount of insulation in the walls and ceilings.Īn easy rule-of-thumb for BTU requirements is to figure that you need about 50 BTU per square foot of interior space in a cold climate 35 BTU per square foot in a moderate climate and 20 BTU per square foot in a hot climate. This figure represents the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It’s a good first step in deciding whether or not to replace it.”īoiler capacity is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. A heat loss calculation can determine whether your current boiler is properly sized for your home. “This leads to a dramatic drop in efficiency and an increase in heating bills and maintenance visits. “While the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ certainly still applies, older boilers were often grossly oversized for the heating load of the house,” explains Daniel O’Brian, technical expert at online retailer. Be advised that if your heating system is more than 10 years old, you may be able to achieve substantial savings by upgrading to a newer model. HeatingWise provides an in-depth explanation of the pros and cons of different types of boilers available. There are several different types of boiler technologies in the market today, including high-efficiency units designed to help homeowners rein in high heating costs. Boilers use natural gas, oil, electricity, propane, or wood to create hot water or steam that heats your home through radiators, baseboard convectors, radiant floors, or fan-forced coils. The first thing to look at is your boiler-the most common heating source in any water- or steam-based system. Now is the time to assess your heating system and replace any aging or malfunctioning components. For this, Cliff Bergin can recommend air conditioning options-with or without ductwork-to help you stay comfortable year-round.Feel that chill in the air? Winter is coming. Trust the technicians from Cliff Bergin to make sure your boiler is venting properly, clean out any sediment, and check for lime buildup, signs of deterioration, or leaks.īoilers are a great option for heating, but they can’t provide cool air in summer. Other Considerations for Homes With BoilersĪ boiler has fewer component parts, however, it still needs to be serviced annually by an expert who is familiar with its unique features. This process produces moisture, which needs proper draining and precautions against freezing in winter.
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