Written on: October 10, 2022
To the untrained eye, water heaters and boilers may seem pretty similar because they both heat water in your home.
However, the purpose and function of boilers and water heaters can be quite different. The expert team of service technicians at Kimlin Energy have the training and experience to install, service, and repair both so they operate at their peak energy efficiency while helping you stay comfortable in your Hudson Valley home.
Kimlin Energy also offers affordable service plans that make maintaining your boiler or water heater easy while helping to shield you from big repair bills with coverage for many parts and labor costs.
Here’s a primer on both boilers and water heaters so you have a better idea how each work.
A boiler is a closed-loop system that uses water to generate heat and circulate it around your home. Because it is a closed-loop system, it does not need fresh water brought into it and the water inside a boiler does not need to be potable.
The components of a boiler include:
Water and steam are great at carrying heat. The heat they provide is not drying as forced-air heating can be. And, because it often is distributed by baseboard radiators, it provides a much more even heat without cold spots.
There are two kinds of water heaters: conventional storage heaters with a tank and tankless water heaters.
A water heater with a tank uses gas or electricity to heat cold water until it reaches the desired temperature. The heated water is then stored in the tank until you need to use it. The water in the tank is reheated frequently to make sure it is at the set temperature whenever it is needed.
Depending on how much you rotate your hot water handle, or the temperature setting in your washing machine or dishwasher, the water heater will send hot water mixed with cold water to your sink or shower. The pressure in your pipes determines this process; as the sink or shower is turned on, cold water enters the watering heating system and pushes warmed water into the pipes towards its destination.
A tankless water heater instantly heats water on-demand. When a hot water faucet or hot water-using appliance is turned on, water is sent through the system where it is heated as long as it is needed to. Tankless water heaters can cut your water heating energy costs by 40% of more!
Kimlin Energy is the Hudson Valley’s leader in boiler and water heater services. If you need installation, maintenance, or repairs for your boiler or water heater, get in touch with us!