Boilers

Gas boiler controls close up.

What is a Boiler?

Most people immediately think of furnaces when opting to heat their homes. However, boilers provide a highly effective heat option, have a long life, can reach high heating efficiencies, and some types require little or no pumping energy. Boilers are an important part of a central heating system. They’re a continuous closed loop of pipes carrying heated water (or steam) throughout your home. As the water runs through the pipes, running through radiators, the hot water cools on its path as it gives off its heat, heating your rooms, then returns back to the boiler to be reheated again. The boiler keeps firing, to continuously reheat the returned cool water, and then sends it on its way again throughout your home.

How Does a Boiler Work?

The boiler is controlled/turned on with an electric switch, which when turned on, opens a valve where the gas enters a combustion chamber. There is a continuous stream of natural gas via a pipe attached to the home’s gas main, usually from the street, that feeds a fire inside this chamber. Its electric ignition system is what lights these small jets of gas. The gas jets fire onto a heat exchanger connected to the water pipe carrying the cold water. The heat exchanger takes the gas-generated heat and heats the water, typically to around 140ºF (60ºC). The now-hot water is pushed throughout the home. An electric pump inside or very near the boiler keeps the water flowing through the loop of pipes and radiators.

Is a Boiler Right for My Home?

Typically, boilers are categorized into different types based on their fuel type, working pressure and temperature, size and capacity, draft method, and whether or not they condense the water vapor in the combustion gases. Sometimes boilers are described by some by their key components, such as heat exchanger materials or tube design.

The two main types of boilers are Firetube and Watertube boilers. In the former, the Firetube boiler, combustion hot gases flow through a system of tubes surrounded by water. In the latter, the Watertube boiler, water flows in the inside of the tubes, and the combustion hot gases flow around the outside of the tubes.

Contact Vailes Home Services to speak with a knowledgeable technician on the best type of boiler for your home in Staunton, VA.

Boiler Maintenance

As mentioned above, boilers have some wonderful advantages (long life, highly effective, high heat efficiency), but they do need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep these advantages. If neglected, boilers’ repairs can be costly and fuel bills can add up quickly. If you currently have a boiler and it's been awhile since you’ve had maintenance performed on it, or if you’re thinking of installing a boiler, call Vailes Home Services. Our technicians would be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.

Need Boiler Service?

Contact the experts at Vailes Home Services.

Call us at 540-942-0198!

Gas Boiler Service in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“Casey is second to none! Vailes has a gem on board. He was so helpful and polite.”
- Barbara W.

Gas Boiler Maintenance in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“Casey did an excellent job. You all have a good man working for you. I highly recommend Casey and Vailes.”

- Bill W.

Boiler Maintenance in Staunton, VA 24491

“Casey serviced my boiler, explained what the various readings meant, answered my questions and taught me how/when to bleed the radiators. He was thorough, considerate and patient.”

- Gretchen B.

Boiler Maintenance in Staunton, VA 24401

“Casey was very helpful. He explained the work he performed and took the time to answer some questions I had about our furnace and heat pump.”

- Craig M.

Boiler Maintenance in Waynesboro, VA 22980

“On time as promised, and all service performed in short order.”

- Robert C.

Boiler Maintenance in Verona, VA 24482

“Kyle was very thorough he told me it was an older heater but he’s got it running real good. Thank you for sending him to do the work.”

- Ken C.

Boiler Maintenance in Fort Defiance, VA 22437

“We were pleased with the service we received and your serviceman!”

- John C.

Boiler Maintenance in Staunton, VA 24401

“I was very pleased with Vailes’ service visit today. Gene was very patient in explaining to me how my boiler works, showing me how to bleed the radiators, and providing suggestions on what size faucet I need to replace the current one in my kitchen. (The one I wanted to have installed didn’t fit the holes.) I would rate Vailes very highly and recommend them to others.”

- Gretchen B.

Vailes Home Services proudly provides HVAC service to Fishersville, Staunton, Waynesboro, Afton, Churchville, Grottoes, Stuarts Draft, Swooope, Verona, and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 540-942-0198, or request service online today.