Are you experiencing issues with your boiler system? Call Green Energy Mechanical Inc. today at 877-561-0627 to book an appointment.
Boiler systems may not be as popular today as they once were, but many homeowners still rely on them for hot water and heating. Like other HVAC systems, boilers are complex pieces of equipment with many parts working together to produce that warmth on a cold winter day.
How does a heat exchanger work in a boiler? How does it heat water?
As the top providers of boiler service in Cambridge, we get many questions from homeowners seeking to understand the composition of their boiler systems better. We’ll cover the details in this post.
How a Heat Exchanger Works in a Boiler
A heat exchanger is a special component that acts as a bridge between two substances of different temperatures. In a boiler, the substances are usually gas and water.
The gas from the combustion process enters the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature until it is hot enough to heat the cold water surrounding it to your desired temperature. This is how you get the hot water flowing through your pipes or the hydronic tubing under your floorboards.
So, you can think of the heat exchanger as the engine of your boiler system. Whether you have a combi boiler or a standard variant, its role is the same. If it is compromised, combustion will only waste energy without producing the heat or warmth you need.
The Two Main Types of Heat Exchangers in Boilers
Boiler systems feature different types of heat exchangers. The most common options include the following:
Aluminum Heat Exchangers
Boilers with aluminum heat exchangers are generally more affordable. Aluminum is cheaper to manufacture and doesn’t alter the weight of the boiler system by much. It also has a high thermal conductivity rating. Aluminum heat exchangers can heat water a lot faster than other options.
However, the material is not without its downsides. Aluminum is more prone to corrosion. If you don’t do anything about the corrosion, the heat exchanger’s efficiency will likely drop by 1% each year.
Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers
Boilers with stainless steel heat exchangers are costlier because the material is more expensive to manufacture. However, these boilers recoup the points they lose due to higher upfront costs through their higher level of corrosion resistance.
You can use a boiler with a stainless steel heat exchanger without worrying about loss of efficiency over time.
So, beyond knowing the answer to “How does a heat exchanger work in a boiler?” you also need to know the type of heat exchanger you have in the unit and how it affects your usage.
How To Keep Your Boiler’s Heat Exchanger Working Optimally
Looking at how a heat exchanger works in a boiler, it’s clear that the best way to keep yours working optimally is to minimize corrosion and eliminate the buildup of dirt and debris inside it.
Any layer of dirt or corrosion further reduces the surface area available for the heat exchange process. If you don’t do anything about it, you will notice a drop in the boiler’s functionality. The heat exchanger will struggle to heat the water flowing through it to your desired temperatures.
Therefore, most HVAC technicians recommend cleaning your boiler’s heat exchanger at least once a year. The cleaning process is not a DIY job. Plumbers use specialized equipment to flush the heat exchanger at high enough pressures.
What Should You Do When You Suspect Heat Exchanger Damage?
If your boiler no longer meets your heating needs, it’s usually a sign of a broken heat exchanger. Most boiler heat exchangers can last up to 20 years (basically, the boiler’s entire lifespan). However, lack of maintenance and unforeseen circumstances can cause early heat exchanger failure.
In this scenario, you have to carefully weigh your options. You can replace a damaged heat exchanger, but the replacement cost is always close to the price of a new boiler system.
Therefore, if you have a boiler older than five years with heat exchanger damage, it’s almost always more cost-effective to buy a new boiler system.
Got Boiler Heat Exchanger Problems? Request a Quote From Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Looking at the answer to “How does a heat exchanger work in a boiler?” it’s clear that this component is crucial to your home’s comfort. When you suspect issues with it, don’t fret.
The team at Green Energy Mechanical Inc. can clean or replace heat exchangers in all types of boiler systems. We have extensive experience providing boiler services across Canton, Massachusetts. Call us today at 877-561-0627 to book your appointment.
