Every week seems to be getting
cooler than the previous weeks that we have had. Last month there was a cold spell that had me
writing about fireplaces, but as I have gone to different buildings and been in
other homes, I have been noticing different types of heating used in these
places. There are many heating systems
that run off of some type of boiler. In
many action movies, boiler rooms seem to be the place of choice for chase
scenes and other action packed activities.
Boilers systems can run a number of
different ways to warm a building or a home.
One way that it disperses heat to the home is through the use of some
sort of radiator. In one type, the hot
water radiator, the heated water comes from the boiler into the radiator
unit. As it passes through the metal, it
heats it up which in turn heats up the rest of the room. Once the water is cooled, it leaves the
radiator through a pipe to be disposed
of properly.
In more advanced systems, a series
of pipes a run through the floor and/or in the walls so that the heat can be
dispersed evenly. This is great if you
are looking for a nice even heat in your home and like to walk around bare-foot
during the winter. One of the drawbacks
to this method, however, is that it takes a little while longer for it to heat
up the home (as compared to central heating system, for example).
Buying an actual boiler can cost a
lot of money, but boiler systems are very efficient and lower heat costs. In the long run, the initial cost will be
worth it, as utility bills decrease and the system is running efficiently. It is important, in this case, to consult a
professional as there are a number of things to consider when installing a
boiler system. They can figure out what
the “Heat Load Calculation” is for your home.
This takes into consideration what the coldest day of the year may be
and also the size of the home or other building in which the boiler will be
installed.
Boilers also come in different
styles. Some sit directly on the ground
of the room that they are installed in, while other models that are available
can be mounted on the wall instead of sitting on the ground. Some are fueled by natural gas and others use
propane as the source by which water is heated.
Many are made from cast iron and others with aluminum, ensuring that the
unit is sturdy and will last throughout the years.
Many brands are
available, but one brand that I see a lot of is Dunkirk. There are a number of Dunkirk
boiler parts available to fix the problems that one may encounter with their
boiler system. Specification sheets and
other parts lists can be found online, making it quick and easy to identify
what part is needed for any job.
