BOILERS
DM Solutions services and repairs all manner of boiler systems.
Though not as common in modern homes, many older homes in Northwest New Jersey still feature steam boiler systems. Steam systems are fantastic for multiple story buildings as steam moves to higher elevations more efficiently than water. Whether replacing, repairing or maintaining a steam boiler system, DM Solutions has you covered.
What is the difference between a steam boiler and a water boiler?
Both steam boilers and hot water boilers offer energy efficiency, but in different ways. A steam boiler uses more energy to boil the water, but uses less energy during the transfer of heat. A hot water boiler uses less energy to create hot water, but more energy during the transfer of heat.
1) Steam radiators often have nipple connectors that connect the sections across the bottom of the radiator only. Hot water radiators often have nipple connectors that connect the sections across the top and the bottom of the radiator. The extra connection points help hot water radiators circulate the hot water as effectively as steam circulates inside the radiator.
2) Look for the pipes that connect to the radiator. Both steam and hot water radiators may have one pipe connecting at the bottom of the radiator serving as both the inlet and outlet pipe. A hot water radiator most often has two pipes connecting to it - one at the top and another at the bottom. The top pipe is for steam entering the radiator and the bottom pipe is for draining out the condensation. A steam radiator may less commonly have two pipes connecting to the radiator both at the bottom along with a large hand valve at each pipe.
3) Notice the temperature of the radiator when the boiler is full of hot water or steam. A steam-filled radiator usually becomes exceedingly hot from the steam, whereas a hot water radiator usually becomes warm, but not hot enough to burn at the touch.
4) Listen for operational noises from the radiators. As steam radiators fill with hot steam, you will often hear hissing as the steam emits from the air vents. Steam radiators often make loud clunking or banging sounds from the steam also.
5) Find the air vent. A steam radiator with one pipe will have its air vent on the side opposite the pipe, approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the radiator. A hot water radiator should have an air vent at the top on the opposite side of the inlet pipe.
Tankless Boilers
Tankless hot water boiler systems are a major improvement to the traditional cast iron hot water boiler. The are a fraction of the size and weight while traditionally being mounted on your wall.
Navien NFB and NHB series boilers have efficiencies as high as 95% and are Energy Star rated! Due to their ultra high efficiency they no longer utilize your traditional chimney either which can eliminate another costly repair and maintenance bill.
Tankless hot water boiler systems work with all existing hot water types of heating! Tube and fin baseboards, radiators, cast iron radiators, radiant floor heat, hydronic toe heaters and more.
Want even more efficiency? You can pair the tankless boiler with an indirect water heater to provide the domestic hot water in the home. Or you can upgrade to a combi-tankless boiler!
Combi-tankless boilers combine the incredible efficiency of heating your home as needed with provided you with a virtually unlimited supply of domestic hot water!
Do you have two people that like to take hot showers at the same time? Does someone like to do the dishes or the laundry while the shower(s) are running? Large bath or jacuzzi? This can be a way to end the ‘I’m out of hot water’ days!
These systems can pair with:
- Domestic hot water (showers and faucets)
- Finned tube baseboards
- Cast iron baseboards
- Radiant floor heating Fan coils Radiators Air handlers
