Tag: valentine's

Getting to Know Your Boiler This Valentine's Day

The Important Things You May Not Know About Boilers

It’s hard to have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home if the boiler isn’t working. Many homeowners in Pennsylvania rely on boilers to heat their homes. And since February is generally still cold in this part of the world, it’s a good idea for homeowners to get to know their boiler this Valentine’s Day. Boiler basics are easy to learn, but the following article details three things that many homeowners may not know about their home boiler. 

Not All Boilers Boil Waterwater heater

This may seem strange, but the most common type of boiler doesn’t boil water. And if it does, there’s something seriously wrong with it. Most home boilers are known as hydronic boilers. In essence, these systems have a heat exchanger placed over the flame — which is usually fed by natural gas or propane. As the flames heat the heat exchanger, water runs through the exchanger. This water is heated quickly and is then transported to the rest of the house, where the magic of radiant heating provides the home with warmth. This means that, when all is going well, the water is never in the heat exchanger long enough to boil. 

That said, there is something called “kettling.” This happens when minerals from hard water build-up in the heat exchanger, partially or fully blocking water flow. Then, the water gets caught inside the exchanger and boils. This is dangerous because it puts too much pressure on the heat exchanger. Homeowners who hear a loud boiling sound from their hydronic boiler should turn off the heat and call a professional plumber immediately. 

ecofriendlyBoilers Are Great at Recycling Water

With all the talk of green energy and eco-friendly appliances, many homeowners don’t realize that their boiler is already somewhat eco-friendly. Most boilers are closed systems, so the water that’s heated inside the boiler is used repeatedly to heat the home. Does this mean that they’re the most energy-efficient models out there? No. Unless the boiler has been installed in the last few years, it’s probably inefficient compared to newer models. 

New boilers are condensing boilers, and they’re designed for recycling heat and water. This means that instead of dissipating excess heat, new eco-friendly boilers use that heat to keep the returning water warm, which reduces the energy and cost needed to keep reheating the water. So replacing an old boiler with a new model will likely save homeowners money within a few years. 

Poor Water Pressure Means Poor Boiler Efficiency

While neither high nor low water pressure is dangerous for the boiler, it can affect efficiency. Low water pressure can prevent the boiler from working as it should, causing it to spend more time and energy attempting to heat the home with low pressure, which is a losing battle. If the water pressure is low enough, it will trip a failsafe and shut the boiler down completely. High water pressure may also cause the system to shut down, as boilers have a pressure relief valve as a form of protection. 

Homeowners who are unsure if they have the proper water pressure to their boiler should call a professional plumber and have them do a health check on the boiler!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has proudly served Philadelphia, PA for nearly two decades. They provide excellent workmanship and superb customer service. They also offer flat-rate pricing and always guarantee satisfaction. Call them today for heating services.

Distribution Links +

Love Should Be the Only Thing in the Air for Valentine's Day

Protect the Valentine's Day Mood with High-Quality Indoor Air

Indoor air quality isn't something that many people think about, but it happens to influence everyone nearly everywhere. Since modern humans spend so much time indoors, people are constantly exposed to more polluted air than they would find outdoors. During this time of year, as winter comes to a close, indoor air quality is more important than ever. 

Being cooped up inside all winter long in a house with poor air quality can take a noticeable toll on health. This Valentine's Day, homeowners should take some advice from the professionals that can help homeowners keep their indoor air healthy. 

Common Indoor Air Contaminants 

Most of what accumulates in indoor air results from normal human activity. Dust from the outside, clothing, and skin cells accumulate in indoor air and on surfaces. The build-up of dust creates the perfect environment for little microscopic insects called dust mites that live and feed on dust particles. Both of these can contribute to respiratory problems. 

For homes with pets, they can contribute greatly to poor indoor air quality. Cats and dogs track dirt in from outside, and slough off hair and skin that can lower air quality and tax a home's HVAC system. 

Other contributors to low indoor air quality include daily activities. Taking showers can raise the humidity in the air that contributes to mold and fungus spores. Cooking or using perfume and hairspray products can cause volatile compounds to suspend in the air for days. Sneezing and coughing can pump bacteria and viruses that contribute to illnesses.  

Air Purifiers and Sanitizers 

Many homeowners turn to air purifiers and sanitizers to combat these threats to good indoor air quality. For homeowners shopping to improve indoor air quality, the terminology can be confusing. The two appliances work in different ways to accomplish slightly different goals. 

letters

Air purifiers are essentially air filters. Air purifiers use HEPA or ionic filtration to reduce dust in the air. The filters are very efficient at removing large particles that contribute to low air quality like pollen, dander, and dust. 

Air sanitizers use UV light to destroy biological organisms in the air and reduce some VOCs and odors. Recently, UV light air sanitizers installed in line with a home's HVAC system have become very popular. They constantly work to sanitize air every time the HVAC system cycles on. 

Other Ways To Clean up Indoor Airwoman at home

Apart from using air purifiers and sanitizers, homeowners can take other steps to improve indoor air, such as: 

  • Running exhaust vents in bathrooms to remove humidity and odors from personal care products.
  • Upgrading HVAC filters to remove more particles from the air. 
  • Washing curtains and bed linens regularly. 
  • Reducing clutter to make dusting flat surfaces easier. 
  • Regularily clean clogged air filters.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing works to serve Philadelphia, PA with quality service. For over 20 years, they have helped residential and commercial customers find plumbing solutions. Fully stocked trucks and trusted technicians ensure they can fix problems faster. Contact them to learn more about their HVAC services.

Distribution Links +