Questions To Ask Your HVAC Contractor Before You Have A Boiler Installed

Boiler heating is not as common as it once was, but there are still a lot of homes that are heated with boilers. Often, if you have boiler heat already and you need a new heater, it is easiest to simply have your boiler replaced with a new, modern boiler. This way, you avoid having to have ducts run through your walls for a furnace, and you get to go on living with the sort of heating you're used to. Generally, having your boiler replaced is a fairly straightforward process, but you may still want to ask your HVAC contractor the following questions before they begin the work. This way, you'll know more about what's about to happen and what to expect with your new boiler.

Will the new boiler be a steam or water boiler?

There are two types of boilers. One heats water and sends that water through pipes leading to radiators. Another turns water into steam and sends that hot steam through pipes into radiators. Usually, your HVAC contractor will install the same type of boiler that you had previously. But there are times when they may recommend a switch. For example, if your boiler is really close to your bedroom, they may recommend switching to a water boiler because it will be quieter and less likely to keep you up at night. So, it's worth asking your HVAC contractor what kind of boiler they'll be installing.

Will they be replacing any of the pipes?

In many cases, the pipes that carry water or steam to the radiators last a lot longer than the boiler itself. However, these pipes may break down and become corroded over time. If this has happened to some of your pipes, then your HVAC contractor will likely want to replace those pipes. Doing so may require them to make a few small holes in your walls. So, it's worth asking your HVAC contractor beforehand if they will be replacing any pipes. This way, you can move any necessary furniture and make sure they have access to the areas they need to work on.

How efficient is the boiler?

Today's boilers are a lot more efficient than those made years ago, but they do vary in efficiency. The more efficient the boiler, the more you'll pay for it. It's worth asking about the efficiency of the boiler that your HVAC company is installing. Sometimes they recommend a less efficient model to fit your budget, but upgrading for higher efficiency may be an option if you're able to pay a bit more.

By asking the right questions, you can learn a lot more about your new boiler before you have it installed.