Boilers

A boiler is simply a pressurized vessel used for the heating of water to produce either hot water or steam. The two types of boilers, hydronic and steam boilers, are similar in performance but have a few significant points of distinction in the equipment and heating process. At Hub Plumbing & Mechanical of New York City, we specialize in servicing and installing both types of boilers and can help you determine the best choice for your needs.

Hydronic Boilers

Hydronic boilers are used to generate heat in residential and industrial applications. Unlike North America, where forced-air furnaces and wood burning stoves are more common, hydronic boilers are typically fitted into homes in northern Europe. These systems operate by heating water or other fluid to a predetermined temperature and circulating the hot liquid via radiators, baseboard heaters, or floors throughout the home. The water can be heated by any means, including gas, wood, and fuel oil, though natural gas is the most common and most economical. A motorized pump circulates the fluid throughout an enclosed system.

The term ‘boiler’ is actually a misnomer because, in hydronic boilers, the water never actually boils. At Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, we can help you with the choice and installation of a hydronic boiler in your New York City home.

Why Use a Hydronic Boiler?

• Hydronic boilers are gaining popularity in the U.S. and across North America. Some reasons include:
• Although initial installation can be more expensive due to materials required, hydronic boilers are more efficient and economical than forced-air systems.
• Baseboard copper pipes and aluminum fins take up less room and use less metal than bulky steel ductwork in forced-air systems.
• Boilers provide more even, less fluctuating temperatures than forced-air systems with copper baseboard pipes holding and releasing heat over a longer period of time.
• They dry out the air less than a forced-air furnace.
• They don’t introduce dust, allergens, mold, or combustion byproducts into the living space.

Steam Boilers

Steam boilers, or steam generators, create steam by heating water. Because they are more robust, steam boilers are more commonly used in industrial applications as opposed to hydronic boilers used in domestic heating applications. Because the steam naturally expands and fills the pipes, steam boilers don’t need electric pumps.

Steam boilers are often employed in applications where saturated or superheated steam is required, such as for cooking, heating, and reboiling. Steam boilers can also make use of a number of heat sources such as solar energy, nuclear reactions, and burning fuel. Steam boilers must be constructed to withstand extremely high temperatures and high steam pressures and in some circumstances, can be more useful than hydronic boilers.

At Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, our highly skilled New York City boiler technicians can help with questions regarding the use and application of hydronic and steam boilers. If you think a new boiler may be right for you, give Hub Plumbing & Mechanical a call today!