Are you debating whether you should get a boiler or water heater for your home? You, of course, do not know the difference between the two, but plumbers in Arlington, TX do. However, you do know the purpose of a boiler and water heater, which is to heat water.
Even though the function is the same, the purpose of each within your home is different. The way they heat water is also different. Plumbers in Arlington, TX thought it would be a good idea to explain to you the difference between a boiler and water heater.
What is a Boiler?
A boiler does not only boil water, but is also converts water into steam. Steam is also a less costly and more efficient way to deliver heat. A boiler pumps water throughout the home easily and holds heat. It heats up water, turning it into steam and pushing it throughout your home. Even though the water is not necessarily potable, you can use it to heat the pipes inside the walls of your home or heat a radiant heating system.
The Function of a Boiler
Plumbers in Arlington, TX explain that you can use a boiler to heat potable water, but when you are using it as a heating system for your home, you need to look at its thermostat. Its thermostat tells you when you need to begin heating the water contained in it. Most boilers use a closed loop system, which indicates that they do not constantly use new water when they deliver steam throughout your home.
In exchange for that, boilers heat the water already inside of it, heating it indirectly using a combustion chamber. Once the water converts into steam, the boiler then delivers it to your entire home, heating the floor and walls of your home.
When the steam cools down, it converts back into water and returns the boiler. Since the water is already warm, the boiler does not have to use a lot of power to convert the water back into steam and deliver it again throughout your home.
What is a Water Heater?
A water heater heats water. You use the heated water to shower, wash your face, cook food, wash dishes, wash clothes, and more. According to plumbers in Arlington, TX, a water heater takes cold water and heats it for you to use by pumping it through your entire home, so when you open the hot water faucet, you get warm water. A water heater is used to heat potable water.
The Function of a Water Heater
The two main types of water heaters are tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters with a tank. A traditional water heater with a tank takes cold water and indirectly heats it via electric heating rods located in the tank or a gas burner. Once the water heats at the desired temperature, the water heater stores the heated water in its tank.
When you turn on the shower or use the sink, you will receive hot water. When you turn on the hot water tap, the water heater with a tank will deliver hot water to you by combining with cold water. It performs this function through pressure in the pipes. When you turn on the hot water faucet, cold water deposits into the water heater and moves the warm water into the pipes and through your faucet.
On the other hand, you have a tankless water heater, which instantly heats water when you need it instead of storing heated water in a tank. You can set the temperature and turn on the faucet to receive hot water. Plumbers in Arlington, TX say that a tankless water heater heats the water that goes into your sink or shower for the entire duration.
What is the Difference between a Boiler and Water Heater?
Plumbers in Arlington, TX can tell you that there are three key differences between a boiler and water heater:
1. Boiler Heats Water Quickly
A boiler consists of copper tubes. These complex appliances convert water into steam. You can use a boiler to heat water or heat your home. Usually, they are powered by natural gas, electricity, heating oil, or propane. Plumbers in Arlington, TX explain that a boiler heats water to the degree it starts to boil and use the steam to deliver heat throughout your home.
2. Water Heater Heats and Stores Water
Unless you are opting for a tankless water heater, a traditional water heater heats and stores water in its tank. Normally, a water heater heats water at 125 degrees, keeping temperatures consistent until you need to use it. A boiler does not store water while a water heater does, unless you are interested in installing a tankless water heater system in your home.
3. A Heat-Pump Water Heater Performs Better
If you are choosing a water heater over a boiler, go with a heat-pump water heater because it performs better. A heat-pump water heater removes heat from the air, thus making it an economical and energy-efficient choice.
Other types of water heaters that you can get are conventional, tankless, and solar powered water heaters. In the category of boilers, plumbers in Arlington, TX say that you can get a combination — supplies heat for your home and heats water — a system that does not need a cold-water tank, conventional, and condensing.
Whether You Buy a Boiler or Water Heater, Maintenance is Key
You will need to contact your local plumbers in Arlington, TX for routine boiler and water heater service and maintenance. If you do not get your water heating system checked out, you will experience problems down the line, as you come across issues when they become severe. If you do not want to run into an issue later with water heating system, you can get in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth for plumbers in Arlington, TX.