Buying a New Boiler

Pittsburgh’s trusted boiler installation service

The heating systems in many older Pittsburgh homes depend on boilers and radiators to distribute warmth throughout the rooms. They were the appliance of choice for many builders in that era and still remain a viable solution for heating. They are designed to heat and circulate water through a system of pipes, radiators, and floorboard convectors. By the time the water has cooled, it has made its way back to the boiler where it is reheated and sent through the system again. This cycle repeats and repeats, providing consistent heat to all areas of a living space. Most boilers run on natural gas or propane, but some may run on heating oil, electricity, and even wood.

How to pick the right boiler for your home

Pittsburgh winters are often cold and long, meaning that your HVAC system needs to be in working order. With frequent use and time, even the most reliable appliances wear down. If your current boiler or heater is over 15 years old, chances are it’s at the end of its life. Older models are simply inefficient and costly, in both usage and repairs.

New advances in heating technology gives home owners a wide range of options for modern boilers that are both energy efficient and cost effective. Here are some factors to consider as you select your new boiler:

  • Size: Boiler capacities are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is the amount of energy required to heat a pound of water one degree. Top Notch Air’s certified HVAC technicians can determine the amount of BTUs needed from a boiler in your home. They analyze internal and external environments, including the climate, size of your home, and your home’s insulation.
  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): This is just a fancy way of saying energy efficiency, or how the amount of heat generated in relation to the amount of energy used to create that heat. Old boilers are tremendously inefficient, using much more fuel than new models. Modern boilers cost significantly less to run, meaning big monthly savings in the colder weather. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is, and the more money you’ll save in the long run.
  • Ventilation Requirements: There are multiple ways to vent a boiler, which include directing the air through walls, chimneys, or roofs. Be sure to check the ventilation requirement and what your home is already equipped to handle.

The Top Notch Air promise

We always guarantee top notch service and an A+ experience when you work with us. When it comes to replacing your current, outdated boiler, our experts will carefully analyze your home, energy needs, and current capabilities, then will make a trustworthy recommendation. This promise extends from your boiler purchase through installation and servicing. Should you choose to purchase a new boiler through Top Notch Air, our technicians will carefully drain and dismantle your old tank and replace it with an energy efficient, high-performance model.

 

If you’ve been considering a boiler upgrade or replacement, contact Pittsburgh’s top notch HVAC specialists today!