Does your home’s old boiler system seem to be struggling to get the job done? Because you can’t afford to have your heating system break down in the middle of a cold snap, you may want to consider buying a new boiler now. By adhering to this simple guide, you can select the right boiler for your home with confidence and ease.
Understand boiler efficiency ratings
When buying a new boiler, you should always check out models’ annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This rating is basically a measurement of how efficiently a boiler converts the energy from its fuel into usable heat each year. As an example, a boiler with 90 percent AFUE can convert all but 10 percent of its fuel energy into warmth for your home, while the rest is lost to your chimney and elsewhere. Also look for boilers with the Energy Star label, a mark of excellence that indicates a boiler’s energy efficiency and performance.
Select the right fuel type
Although AFUE ratings are typically highest for all-electric boilers (usually from 95-100 percent), this isn’t necessarily your best option. Because electricity is more expensive, these boilers are an uneconomical choice. The most common fuel type for boilers is natural gas, which can achieve high-efficiency ratings of 90 percent AFUE and higher.
Consider efficiency features
Condensing boilers are more expensive initially. However, they allow for significant savings in the long run. These boilers work to condense the water vapor produced during the combustion process and make use of the heat from condensation. This increases AFUE ratings by as much as 10 percent higher than non-condensing units. Sealed combustion boilers are also great for energy savings as they will pull outside air directly into the burner while all combustion gasses are evacuated outdoors. This effectively eliminates the need for a draft hood or damper, reduces any wasted energy to warm your home, and gets rid of the threat of introducing dangerous combustion gasses such as carbon monoxide into your home.
For advice on buying a new boiler or an installation quote, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We proudly serve Dayton and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about boilers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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