Some of the most popular types of boilers are conventional boilers, combination boilers, combination storage boilers, system boilers, back boilers, condensing boilers, storage tanks and electric boilers. Each boiler system has its most useful applications.
Sveral features are common for all boiler systems. A boiler system mainly consists of a boiler, radiators and interconnecting piping. The boiler part of the system is responsible for heating the water. A pump is used to circulate the water through pipes and radiators before coming back to the boiler. Boilers operate on an open vented system or a sealed system. Open vented systems work well where hot water cylinders are used to store hot water. Sealed systems are great at retaining pressure after they have been pressurized.
In conventional boiler systems, gas jets play onto cast iron heat exchangers that water passes through to be heated. Combination boilers work in the same way as conventional boilers but also provide taps with instant hot water. Adding a tank to a combination system assures that hot water will not run out as quickly. Back boilers are able to be fueled by gas, oil or solid fuel. In the secondary heat exchanger of a condensing boiler, water from flue gases condenses and drains away through the bottom of the boiler.
A benefit to most boiler systems is that they generally have low maintenance costs. Combination boiler systems deliver hot water at steady temperatures and is one of the easiest systems to install. All of the major components in a system boiler are built into the boiler itself. Condensing boiler systems are popular because of the potential for fuel consumption savings.
Boiler systems can last for several years if properly maintained. The cost of replacing or repairing a boiler system should be considered before making an investment in a boiler system. Energy consumption is known to be high in conventional boiler systems. Condensing boiler systems are still relatively new and may be more prone to breakdowns compared with other boiler systems.