Boilers
What is a Boiler?
Most people immediately think of furnaces when opting to heat their homes. However, boilers provide a highly effective heat option, have a long life, can reach high heating efficiencies, and some types require little or no pumping energy. Boilers are an important part of a central heating system. They’re a continuous closed loop of pipes carrying heated water (or steam) throughout your home. As the water runs through the pipes, running through radiators, the hot water cools on its path as it gives off its heat, heating your rooms, then returns back to the boiler to be reheated again. The boiler keeps firing, to continuously reheat the returned cool water, and then sends it on its way again throughout your home.
How Does a Boiler Work?
The boiler is controlled/turned on with an electric switch, which when turned on, opens a valve where the gas enters a combustion chamber. There is a continuous stream of natural gas via a pipe attached to the home’s gas main, usually from the street, that feeds a fire inside this chamber. Its electric ignition system is what lights these small jets of gas. The gas jets fire onto a heat exchanger connected to the water pipe carrying the cold water. The heat exchanger takes the gas-generated heat and heats the water, typically to around 140ºF (60ºC). The now-hot water is pushed throughout the home. An electric pump inside or very near the boiler keeps the water flowing through the loop of pipes and radiators.
Is a Boiler Right for My Home?
Typically, boilers are categorized into different types based on their fuel type, working pressure and temperature, size and capacity, draft method, and whether or not they condense the water vapor in the combustion gases. Sometimes boilers are described by some by their key components, such as heat exchanger materials or tube design.
The two main types of boilers are Firetube and Watertube boilers. In the former, the Firetube boiler, combustion hot gases flow through a system of tubes surrounded by water. In the latter, the Watertube boiler, water flows in the inside of the tubes, and the combustion hot gases flow around the outside of the tubes.
Contact West Mechanical to speak with a knowledgeable technician on the best type of boiler for your home in Everson, WA.
Boiler Maintenance
As mentioned above, boilers have some wonderful advantages (long life, highly effective, high heat efficiency), but they do need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep these advantages. If neglected, boilers’ repairs can be costly and fuel bills can add up quickly. If you currently have a boiler and it's been awhile since you’ve had maintenance performed on it, or if you’re thinking of installing a boiler, call West Mechanical. Our technicians would be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Need Boiler Service?
Contact the experts at West Mechanical.
Call us at 360-734-7599!
Boiler Repair in Friday Harbor, WA 9825-
“After 20 years of service, our old radiant heat manifold died. Nathan did a great job ordering and installing a new one. The space is tight in the boiler room, but he did a very nice job of installing it. He also found several other problems in our old boiler and with our old thermostats that he came back and repaired the following week. He was very personal to work with and knew his stuff. I’d highly recommend him.”
– Scott M.
Boiler Installation in Bellingham, WA 98229
“I cannot recommend West highly enough. Professional work, friendly people, and exceptional customer service. They repaired issues with my cranky tank boiler a couple of times, and so when it finally failed once and for all, I didn’t hesitate to call West to have a tankless unit installed. Which, of course, is working exceptionally well. It also looks pretty awesome!”
– James G.
Boiler Repair in Blaine, WA 98230
“Nathan was great. On time, checking details & informative, & solved problem!”
– Carll Ann S.
Boiler Repair in Anacortes, WA 98221
“Nathan arrived on time and promptly inspected our boiler. He diagnosed the problem and explained in detail what was wrong and what repairs would be required. I agreed to the work/cost estimate and he started and completed the job within an hour as promised.
I was impressed with Nathan’s mechanical skills and professional approach to this emergency!
Sincerely.
D.G.”
– David G.
Boiler Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“Nathan was efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. He answered all my questions.”
– Candace J.
Boiler Maintenance in WA 98221
“Nathan is very personable and gets right to work. I’m happy with your policy of maintenance to avoid future issues. I’m happy with your service.
Thank you.”
– Carol H.
Boiler Repair in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“We very much appreciate your prompt attention to this problem.”
– Karin A.
Boiler Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“On Friday, January 5th, a technician (Mike?) came to 293 Eagle Cove Drive to service Martha L's heating system. (I'm her assistant and "organizer".)
The technician was courteous, very pleasant and helpful, arrived when he said he would and did the work quickly. I was VERY satisfied with his work and feel he deserves commendation. I hope his work is appreciated by West Mechanical. Do whatever you can to keep this guy working for you. He is truly an asset to your company.
Thank you!”
– Ann S.
Boiler Maintenance in Anacortes, WA 98221
“Very good experience. Thanks.
Really personable and efficient.”
– Amy A.
Boiler Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“West Mechanical service is always prompt and courteous. Nathan did a great job of explaining our problem.
Karin A.”
– Karin A.
West Mechanical proudly provides HVAC service to Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 360-734-7599, or request service online today.