
Different Types of Boilers
- Water Tube Boilers This item is among popular types of boilers which include tubes that contain water inside and the heat source is on its outside. ...
- Fire Tube Boilers Fire-tube boilers have a water-filled chamber and direct the heated gas through tubes inside this chamber. ...
- Electric Boilers ...
- Natural Gas Boilers ...
- Condensing Boilers ...
- Oil Boilers ...
- System Boilers ...
What boiler is best?
Best Boiler Makes/Manufacturers – What we considered: Best Boiler Makes Ranked. #1 Baxi Boilers (Best Boiler Manufacturer) #2 Worcester Bosch boilers (2nd Best Boiler Manufacturer) #3 Viessmann boilers (3rd Best Boiler Make) #4 Alpha Boilers (4th Best Boiler Manufacturer) #5 Ideal boilers (5th Best Boiler Make) #6 Vaillant Boilers (6th Best ...
What boiler should I buy?
You should buy one that is sealed combustion because it brings outside air into the burner and directs exhaust gases outside. Non-sealed combustion boilers draw heated air in and then send it up the chimney, wasting the energy used to heat the air.
Which is a better boiler?
These are some of the best boiler brands on the market: Worcester Bosch Worcester Bosch is not only a well-known brand but is also considered one of the best boiler brands today. Its products are renowned for their high-quality standards and energy efficiency.
Which boilers are eligible for a boiler grant?
The scheme aims to replace old energy-sapping non condensing boilers with modern condensing models which are energy efficient, to help households lower their fuel bills. Only gas boilers are eligible: if you have an electric, oil or LPG boiler you won’t be able to apply for a boiler grant. Boilers have to be under 86% efficient to qualify.

What is the best type of boiler to have?
Pros: Condensing boilers are the best types of boilers for the environment. Condensing boilers allow you to heat your home in a way that's much more efficient, and that means you'll save money on your heating bills and save energy as well.
What are two basic types of boilers?
When we think about boilers, there are a two types that typically come to mind; firetube, or scotch marine, and watertube boilers. These types of boilers can be classified as hot water, steam, high pressure, and low pressure.
What type of boiler is most common?
Fire Tube BoilerFire Tube Boiler The most common type of boiler system especially for industrial uses, fire tube boilers, has been around for a long time because of their ability to meet steam needs when the demand is large and constant.
What are the three types of heating systems?
The five systems:Forced Air Systems. A forced air heating system is the most common option that is found in a residential home. ... Electric Systems. This type of heating system is common in homes that do not have access to natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. ... Geothermal Systems. ... Radiant Heat Systems. ... Steam Radiant Heat Systems.
What are 3 types of boiler and define each?
Boilers can be broadly classified as shell tube and water tube boilers.Shell and tube boilers. Shell and tube boilers are also referred to as fire tube or smoke tube boilers. ... Different types of fire tube boilers: ... Lancashire boiler: ... Locomotive boiler. ... Reversal Chamber: ... Wet Back Boilers: ... Dry Back Boilers: ... Two pass boilers:More items...
What kind of boiler is used for residential installations?
There are two main types of boiler systems: Steam boilers and Hot water boilers. A steam boiler system heats water to create steam, which is pumped throughout the house's radiators, whereas a hot water boiler system heats water and pumps it through radiators or baseboards in the house.
Which type of boiler is best in industry?
Fire Tube or Shell Boilers.
What is difference between combi and system boiler?
A Combi boiler provides both heating and hot water instantly. A system boiler is designed to work with a cylinder to provide hot water as it does not have the hot water heat exchanger. It contains an expansion vessel and pump allowing the boiler to be installed in a sealed system.
How are boilers classified?
Boilers are classified into different types based on their working pressure and temperature, fuel type, draft method, size and capacity, and whether they condense the water vapor in the combustion gases. Boilers are also sometimes described by their key components, such as heat exchanger materials or tube design.
What are the 4 types of heating systems?
There are dozens of variations of home heating systems available, but the vast majority fall into one or more of these four distinct categories: forced air, electric, hydronic, and geothermal.
What are the 4 main types of home heating systems?
Types of Heating SystemsFurnaces. The majority of North American households depend on a central furnace to provide heat. ... Boilers. Boilers are special-purpose water heaters. ... Heat Pumps. ... Gas-Fired Space Heaters. ... Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters: A Bad Idea. ... Electric Space Heaters. ... Wood-Burning and Pellet Stoves. ... Fireplaces.
What are the 4 types of central heating systems?
Types of Heating Systems Furnaces - However this is more of an American thing. Heat Pumps. Gas-Fired Space Heaters. Electric Heaters.
What is boiler 2 What are the accessories of boiler?
Boiler accessories are devices and plants that are installed with boilers to improve the operating condition and overall efficiency of the boiler plant. Boiler accessories are devices that are installed along the boiler and the surrounding area to increase the efficiency of the boiler.
What is Afbc and CFBC boiler?
There are three basic types of fluidised bed combustion boilers: 1. Atmospheric classic Fluidised Bed Combustion System (AFBC) 2. Atmospheric circulating (fast) Fluidised Bed Combustion system(CFBC) 3. Pressurised Fluidised Bed Combustion System (PFBC).
What are the different types of oil boilers?
There are three types of oil boilers:Regular oil boiler – This type of oil boiler is often called a conventional boiler. ... Oil combi boiler – With an oil combi boiler, cold water is fed straight into the boiler and heated on demand. ... Oil system boiler – A system boiler is basically an upgraded version of a regular boiler.
How many types of boiler are used in industries?
Byworth's selection of industrial boiler systems include steam boilers, industrial hot water boilers, industrial heat recovery and waste heat boilers.
What is a Boiler?
Boilers are a vessel that heats up liquids (usually water) with combustion by burning fuels, generating steam and hot water.
What type of boiler uses two heat exchangers?
Condensing Boilers. This boiler type uses two heat exchangers: One for heating and the other for reheating purposes. The first one is used before the water goes out to the outlets and the other receives the cooled water to heat it again. They use the exhaust gasses’ energy potential for preheating the cooled water in the boiler.
Why is a boiler a tube?
This type is especially common because of its ability for rapid heat transfer. When the thermostat calls for heat, the burner is activated to heat the fluid. The expansion of the heated water results in the transfer of this extra volume into an expansion tank. When radiating the heat, the water cools down and returns to the boiler to be reheated.
What is a natural gas boiler?
Natural Gas Boilers. This boiler uses natural gas for heating purposes. This gas is either supplied from a large tank of propane gas outside the home or natural gas-lines of the town. The temperature of this gas is regulated with the help of a temperature gauge. The thermocouple minimizes fuel usage as well.
What is a water based heating system?
There’s a separate oil tank that pumps the oil mixed with domestic biodiesel to the boiler for heating the water. Then, the hot water will be directed to the outlets in the place.
How does a fire tube boiler work?
Fire-tube boilers have a water-filled chamber and direct the heated gas through tubes inside this chamber. This gas is created by thermal induction, transferring the heat through the tubes’ walls. Unlike water-tubes, they are not suitable for high-pressure applications.
What are the factors that affect boiler efficiency?
There are many things to consider but the most important ones are the type of the property, the size of your property , if there are any showers, the number of bathrooms, and the water pressure of the area. These factors have a great effect on the boiler you choose from different types of boilers and the efficiency also depends on choosing ...
What type of fuel does a boiler use?
The type of fuel your boiler will use – gas, oil, LPG, electricity or biomass – might be restricted based on where you live, but some homeowners may find they have a choice.
What size boiler do you need?
Now you know that you know the fuel and type of boiler you should be using, the next decision relates to the size of the boiler.
Why do boilers use condensing technology?
You will not have to make a choice between these types as, by law, all modern boilers now use condensing technology as standard. This is because they are more energy efficient than non- condensing boilers.
How does an electric boiler work?
A typical electric boiler will work by heating the water that runs through it with a heating element and this hot water is then pumped to where it is needed. Thanks to the way they heat water, electric boilers are considered one of the least wasteful options as there is extremely minimal heat loss like there is with a gas boiler.
How much heat does a condensing boiler extract?
While non-condensing boilers would only be able to extract between 50-80% of heat from the fuel, modern condensing boilers can typically extract 90-92% of the heat.
What type of heating system is used in the UK?
Gas is the most common heating fuel type in the UK and the majority of homeowners who are connected to the gas grid opt for a gas boiler.
How efficient is an electric boiler?
An electric boiler can run at around 99% efficiency as it doesn’t lose heat in the same way as a gas boiler would . Whilst this does mean that the boiler itself is more efficient, it doesn’t necessarily make an electric boiler eco-friendly.
What is a system boiler?
System boilers, sometimes known as closed vent boilers, are the perfect choice if you think you'll need a heat-only boiler but don't want lots of external components. This is because many of these external components are built into the body of the boiler, as with a system boiler. A system boiler still has a hot water cylinder, ...
What type of boiler do you need?
Every home is different, and so the right type for your household may be different to your neighbour's. Read on to discover more pros and cons for the various types of boiler.
What is a storage combi boiler?
A less common system, storage combi boilers work like a combination boiler, but have an internal hot water cylinder built into the boiler.
What is the most common boiler system in the UK?
A combination or combi boiler is the most common type of boiler system in the UK, it will provide hot water on demand and is a great choice for many homes. But it's not the best option for all.
What are the pros and cons of a heat only boiler?
heat-only boilers are better suited to larger households where several people frequently need to use hot water at the same time. They also require space for a cold water feed tank, usually in the loft.
Which is more efficient, a condensing boiler or a non condensing boiler?
More efficient - condensing boilers are typically 25% more efficient than a non-condensing model. This results in lower heating bills and fewer carbon emissions.
What is a combination boiler?
Combination boilers connect directly to the mains cold water supply, providing hot water on demand. They are a great choice for many homes, especially for smaller houses and flats that only have one bathroom, as they have a lower hot water and heating demand than larger properties.
What is an oil boiler?
Oil boilers (sometimes called oil-fired boilers) are water-based heating systems fueled by oil. These are more common in rural areas in the country with more limited access to natural gas. A separate oil tank, often containing heating oil blended with domestic biodiesel, pumps the mixture into your oil boiler to heat the water within and send hot air or water through the piping in your home.
What is a condensing boiler?
Condensing boilers utilize two separate heat exchangers: one to heat the water before it goes out to the radiators, and another to reheat water returning from the piping in the home. Condensing boilers use the energy potential in exhaust gases to preheat the return water to the boiler.
How does a steam boiler work?
Steam boilers work by utilizing pressure and gravity to deliver hot steam to radiators and cycle cooled condensation back into the boiler to be reheated. The process works as such: The boiler is partially filled with water. The water is heated and turns to steam. The pressure within the system increases.
How does a boiler thermostat work?
The thermostat calls for heat. An oil or gas burner is activated, heating the water in the boiler. The pumps will either begin pumping water through the system, or wait for the water to pre-heat to the desired temperature. The heated water expands. Extra volume is sent into an expansion tank.
Why does my steam boiler make a knocking noise?
A "knocking" noise could indicate a malfunction within the system. Contact our boiler repair experts if you have any problems with your steam boiler.
Why are electric boilers so popular?
Electric boilers remain highly popular because they are extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. There are no exhaust fumes carrying away valuable heat and into the atmosphere.
Do electric boilers need gas?
They have no need for a main gas or fuel supply, benefitting rural users. Installation costs are lower, and electric boilers are quieter and more space efficient. But it's not all gravy. Electric boilers have the following disadvantages:
What type of fuel is used in boilers?
The most common types of fuel used in commercial boiler systems are: Biomass: wood chips, corn husks, and other combustible plan substances. Coal: crushed coal is more efficient than clumps. Gas: natural gas. Oil: diesel, gasoline, and other petroleum-based fuels.
What is a water tube boiler?
In this design, the heat source is on the outside and water is inside the tubes. Water tube boilers are ideal for high-pressure applications and those with variable load requirements.
What is a wet back boiler?
Fire tube boilers also come in either a dry-back design or a wet-back design. A wet-back boiler means the end closure is cooled by water, whereas a dry-back boiler isn’t cooled by water.
Why are fire tube boilers so popular?
Because of their relatively simple design, fire tube boilers are more affordable and easier to operate. They’re ideal for medium to low-pressure applications. Within the category of fire tube boilers are two subsets based on the furnace’s location.
Is an electric steam boiler environmentally friendly?
Electric Steam Boiler. Electric steam boilers environmentally-friendly and efficient as they don’t produce emissions, but operating them can come at a high premium. Electric steam boilers are ideal for smaller operations like hospitals, laundries, and food processing facilities.
What type of fuel does a commercial boiler use?
These units can use propane, natural gas, non-fueled electric only, or light oil to provide hot water or steam for process requirements or comfort heating. Based on the commercial boiler selected and application, these systems boast a fuel efficiency as high as 99%.
What is an electric boiler?
Electric Boilers. Most notably, electric boilers are known for being quiet, clean, compact, and easy to install. Without combustion considerations, these types of boilers have no exhaust stack, no fuel handling equipment, and no fuels, which means they have minimal complexity. Among the different types of boilers, ...
What is an industrial watertube boiler?
Industrial watertube boilers are mainly steam boilers used for a wide array of applications requiring large amounts of steam and higher pressures. These types of boilers have the ability to provide extra heat through the use of superheaters that are integrally mounted.
What is a water tube boiler?
The watertube boiler produces hot water or steam for industrial or commercial applications. Watertube types of boilers are extensively used for comfort heating applications. With this type of boiler, tubes house water and/or steam. At the same time, the combustion products are circulated through the tubes.
How much power does an electric boiler have?
Clients choose electric boilers in areas where the cost of electricity is favorable. These boilers range anywhere from 9kW up to 3,375 kW output.
What is a commercial boiler?
Commercial Boilers. Commercial boilers are designed with a firetube, small water tube, and electric resistance. They work ideally for universities, libraries, office buildings, schools, laundries, hospitals, and other similar facilities, Among the different types of boilers, commercial boilers are some of the most diverse.
Can you go at boiler alone?
It's important to understand each of the different types of systems as well as their pros and cons. Fortunately, you don't have to go at it alone.
What are the two types of boilers?
There are two main types of boilers — steam and hot water (also known as hydronic) — and many more types of radiators or heating appliances, the units that transmit the heat into the rooms. In general, boiler heating systems are clean, effective and reliable, and the newest boilers can offer superb energy efficiency. Advertisement.
Where does the air come from in a boiler?
In a conventional boiler, air for combustion (running the gas burner) is drawn from the room air around the boiler, which is technically heated air. High-efficiency boilers with sealed combustion draw combustion air from the outdoors through an intake pipe. Heated indoor comes at an energy cost; outdoor air does not.
How many pipes does a radiator have?
If your radiators have two pipes, you might have two- pipe steam or a hot-water system. To determine which one, check the boiler. Steam boilers typically have a sight glass — a clear glass tube or vial attached to ...
What is a radiator heating system?
Standard radiators are the familiar wall- or floor-mounted vessels that have evolved over the years from grill-like iron hulks to sleek metal panels and even elegant towel bars and artistic wall hangings.
What is the most common type of heating system in cold winter climates?
Image Credit: stefanamer/iStock/GettyImages. Next to forced-air heat, a boiler-and-radiator system is the most common type of heating system in cold-winter climates. All boiler systems use hot water to heat the home. There are two main types of boilers — steam and hot water (also known as hydronic) — and many more types ...
How to tell if your home has hot water or steam?
There are a few easy ways to identify the system type. For starters, steam heat in U.S. homes was largely phased out in the 1930s, so if your home has radiators and was built after 1940 or so, it almost certainly has hot water heat, not steam. Another clue is to look at the radiators.
What is the sight glass on a steam boiler?
Steam boilers typically have a sight glass — a clear glass tube or vial attached to the boiler in a visible location. The level of water in the sight glass tells you how much water is in the system.
