The choices of boilers available for you can be overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, give us a call, and we can help narrow your selection down to a boiler that makes sense to you.

Below is a list of boilers and what’s special about them:

• Electric boilers: the most efficient type of boiler due to not relying on gas or oil. This type of boiler has become quite popular in recent years. On top of being more efficient than other types of boilers, the installation of electric boilers also tends to be less expensive than others, and they typically run quieter than their non-electric counterparts. On the other hand, they can cost more to run, and if you have a power outage, you won’t have heat.

• Hot water boilers: these types of boilers use a heat exchanger and pumps to distribute heat throughout your home.

• Steam boilers: similar to hot water boilers, these types of boilers also use a heat exchanger. While these are not very common nowadays, they still exist.

• Natural gas boilers: these types of boilers need to be connected to a natural gas line to have power. In rural and other areas without an easily accessible gas line, propane may be substituted.

• Oil boilers: Even though these boilers are technically water-based, they are fueled by oil and are common in rural areas.

• Condensing boilers: these types of boilers use two individual heat exchangers which heat both the outgoing and returning water. This method increases the energy efficiency of the boiler and aids in lowering your utility bills.

What to look for when choosing a high-efficiency boiler:

If you are cautious about your boiler’s efficiency, you want to look at the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of your chosen boiler. An AFUE rating of 85% or higher is considered high-efficiency boilers. Electric boilers rate at the highest with nearly 100% as they produce no waste-gas. Condenser boilers often rate second-highest, reaching above 95% (if they are configured correctly); gas boilers typically rate between 89 – 98%, and oil typically rates between 80 and 90%.

What type to choose based on venting requirements: If your home already has a chimney, a chimney-vented boiler might pair quite readily with your existing ventilation system. Power-vent and direct-vent boilers both will need access to either a wall or a roof vent – if you don’t already have one, it will need to be created. Power-vented systems have the requirement of only being able to be placed in open rooms. Other types of boilers will have other venting requirements. Give us a call today to discuss your options.

No matter what boiler you decide on, you can count on us to help you make a decision that is right for you.