boilers 18 October, 2022
Why Do Boilers Have A Fan? And Other Boiler Questions
You don't have to become a heating system expert to be able to understand what is wrong with your boiler. When a plumber visits your home, they might mention a lot of different boiler parts, from the boiler fan to the air pressure switch. But do you really need to know all of this? Having a basic understanding of how boilers work can be incredibly beneficial. It can help you to know what is going on when your plumber explains issues with your heating system.In this article, we are going to explain a bit more about boilers, from old boilers to modern boilers, from the heat exchanger to the combustion process, we want to take the time to explain the key concepts of a boiler.
What Are The Different Types Of Boilers?
There are three main different types of residential boilers. These are combi, conventional and system.
Combi Boilers: As the name suggests, a combination boiler is a combination of both an efficient water heater and a central heating boiler in one compact unit. The boiler uses gas to heat the water that provides your radiators and taps with hot water. They don’t need cold water storage, which makes them the ideal space-saving solution for your home.
Conventional Boilers: A conventional boiler heats your radiators and taps with hot water from a separate hot water storage cylinder, which is heated by the boiler. This type of boiler also requires a cold water storage tank in the loft to feed the hot water cylinder.
System Boilers: System boilers are similar to conventional boilers but they don’t require an external cold water tank. All the components are stored within the boiler, making boiler installation much simpler and less intrusive.
Why Are Combi Boilers So Popular?
Combi boilers are a type of boiler that provides both heating and hot water directly from the boiler. This is in contrast to most other types of boilers, which require a separate water heater to provide hot water. Combi boilers are very popular because they are compact and easy to install, and they provide an efficient way to heat both your home and your water.
How Do Boilers Work?
Boilers work by heating up water to a certain temperature and pressure. This hot water, or steam, is then transferred directly to the radiators in your home via pipes. The boiler circulates hot water or steam throughout your home via a system of pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant flooring. The water or steam is then returned to the boiler to be reheated and circulated again. In modern boilers, heat from the flue is also captured and used to heat the home.
Related Article: How Long Do Boilers last?
So, Why Do Boilers Have A Fan?
Boilers have a fan because the hot gases produced by the burning fuel need to be vented to the outside. The fan helps to circulate the hot gases through the flue pipe and vent stack. The fan is therefore a safety feature that helps to protect you and your home. It also helps to keep the boiler operating smoothly and efficiently.
A malfunctioning fan can cause your boiler to overheat, leading to costly repairs or even a replacement boiler. That’s why it is important to have your boiler serviced regularly and have any problems fixed as soon as possible. If you notice that your boiler has become noisy, arrange for a visit from a Gas Safe engineer to diagnose the issue.
What Other Parts Of A Boiler Should I Know About?
The different parts of a boiler include the burner, combustion chamber, heat exchanger, flue pipe, vent stack, and controls. The burner is the part of the boiler that burns the fuel, such as natural gas, propane, or oil. The combustion chamber is where the burning fuel produces hot gases.
The heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from the hot gases to the water in the boiler. The flue pipe is used to vent the hot gases from the combustion chamber to the outside. The vent stack is a pipe that goes from the top of the flue pipe to the outside. The controls are used to operate the boiler and regulate the temperature. There will also be a thermostat somewhere in your home. This isn't always next to your boiler. This tool will allow you to set the temperature in your home and put your heating on a timer.
What Does A Boiler Pilot Light Do?
The pilot light on a boiler is used to ignite the fuel. The pilot light ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber, which then produces the hot gases that are used to heat your home. The pilot light is usually located near the bottom of the boiler. It should be checked regularly to make sure it is lit and burning properly. A malfunctioning pilot light can cause your boiler to overheat, leading to costly repairs or even a replacement boiler. It's also possible for the pilot light to blow out. Knowing how to re-ignite your pilot light can help to save you money on gas engineer callouts.
How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?
You should service your boiler every year to make sure it is operating safely and efficiently. A boiler service includes a visual inspection of the boiler, an inspection of the flue pipe and vent stack, a test of the controls, and a test of the safety relief valve. Servicing your boiler will help to extend its life and prevent costly repairs. It can also ensure that flue gases are removed safely from your home.
Related Article: How Much Is A Boiler Service
What Are The Most Common Problems With Boilers?
The most common problems with boilers are leaks, noisy operation, and sediment build-up. Leaks can occur in the boiler itself or in the pipes that connect the boiler to the radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant flooring. Noisy operation is usually caused by sediment build-up in the boiler. Sediment build-up can also cause the boiler to overheat and shut down. You can also find issues with all the electronic components of your boiler, such as a faulty circuit board. However, a boiler engineer can help with this issue.