How Efficient Are Boilers?

Burt’s Reliable keeps your heating oil boiler running well all winter.

Many homeowners believe boilers provide superior home heating compared to forced-air systems with furnaces. There’s no circulated air with a boiler, which means you don’t have airborne pollutants entering your rooms through your ductwork. Boiler heat is also more moist than dry forced air. The result is a more comfortable living environment.

These days, Suffolk County households may have options when it comes to home heating. Burt’s Reliable can help you decide if boiler heating is the most efficient and cost-effective option for your home.

How does a boiler work?

A boiler is a large, closed container where a burner warms water. This is the central component of a boiler-powered radiator or hydronic heating system. Either steam or hot water passes from the boiler to piping, radiators and baseboards. They heat rooms throughout your house. When the water cools and condenses, it returns to the boiler to be heated and circulated again.

Are oil-fired boilers efficient?

Today’s condensing boilers are far more efficient than yesterday’s products. On average, you can expect roughly 15 percent more energy efficiency from a condensing boiler than a non-condensing boiler because these modern systems are more effective at recapturing heat energy and vapor. This gets you more heat for your energy dollar and reduces equipment corrosion.

Today’s high-efficiency oil boilers can have fuel efficiency ratings approaching 90%. This means that almost all the energy your fuel generates goes to heating your home — not out of your flue.

How can you ensure the best efficiency from your boiler heating system?

We speak to homeowners all the time who want to lower their energy costs. If they have a boiler system, we recommend that you not try switching to another heating system. These conversions can get expensive with ductwork installations and radiator removals. And the resulting heat may not be as comfortable as your boiler’s.
Here are some great ways to ensure maximum efficiency from your boiler:

1. Arrange annual boiler maintenance. This relatively inexpensive process can vastly improve your boiler’s fuel efficiency and lower your heating oil usage.
2. Invest in a smart thermostat. This helps you manage your heating system usage so you can reduce energy consumption when you’re asleep or away from home.
3. Use Bioheat® fuel, which Burt’s proudly delivers. This eco-friendly heating oil burns cleanly and efficiently, and you can even receive a New York State tax credit for using it!
4. Upgrade to new high-efficiency equipment. If your boiler is over 15 years old, its fuel efficiency could have diminished to 60% or less. Upgrading to a new system in the 87% efficiency range will immediately lower your heating costs. You’ll begin defraying the boiler replacement cost right away and enjoy lower heating oil use for years to come.

The Burt’s Reliable heating installation team is ready to help you improve your boiler efficiency this winter. Reach out to us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.