Boiler-based heating systems were ubiquitous in Northeast Ohio during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Because so many Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and Greater Cleveland homes were constructed during this era, chances are good that your own home depends on a boiler and radiators for heat in the winter. Boiler systems heat and pump water throughout the building via a series of pipes and radiators, baseboard convectors, or other devices; cooled water then returns to the boiler and is reheated, repeating the cycle and ultimately providing heat. While most residential new boilers run on natural gas, they can also be powered by heating oil, propane, or electricity.
For expert boiler installation in Northeast Cleveland, count on Verne & Ellsworth Hann. Call us to schedule your boiler installation today.
What to consider when selecting the perfect boiler
As with all HVAC equipment that is used frequently during Northeast Ohio’s long winters, time eventually takes its toll on a boiler. Boilers over 15 to 20 years old, requiring frequent repairs, or simply not energy-efficient should be replaced as soon as possible. New home heating innovations have led to many options in modern boilers. There are several factors to consider when selecting the boiler that works best for your Greater Cleveland home, including:
- Size: The capacity of a new boiler is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), or the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water one degree. A licensed boiler technician will be able to measure the number of BTUs you will need, taking into account factors such as how cold your climate is and the state of your home’s insulation.
- Energy-efficiency rating: You would be surprised to know how large and inefficient old boilers are! Modern boilers cost much less money to run every month. When considering whether or not to purchase a boiler, look at its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating.
- Venting requirements: Different boilers will have different venting requirements based on their size, fuel source, and other considerations. For example, boilers can be vented out of walls, roofs, or chimneys.
With so many boiler makes and models on the market to choose from, deciding which unit is best for your home and lifestyle can be very confusing. A Cleveland heating professional can help you select a boiler that has the perfect combination of high energy efficiency, the correct size, and a reasonable price. With Verne & Ellsworth Hann, you will find a boiler that will increase your home’s value while keeping your family warm for many winters to come!
What Type Of New Boilers Work Best For A Cleveland Home
Most boilers used in Cleveland homes today are gas-fired steam or hot water boilers. Both offer exceptional energy efficiency, longevity, and comfort through similar mechanisms, though steam systems can introduce a few unique challenges.
For exceptional energy efficiency, a home with adequate insulation to allow for weaker maximum temperatures can benefit from choosing a condensing boiler. These systems are incredibly efficient but have lower maximum outputs, meaning they’ll take longer to warm your home and can struggle to heat larger homes with poor weatherproofing.
Benefits of Gas vs. Electric Boilers
Gas and electric boilers have their places, but for most homes, the benefits of a gas boiler outweigh the benefits of an electric boiler. Both are highly efficient, with electric boilers edging out gas for fuel-to-heat conversion. Still, the low cost of gas means gas boilers tend to be cheaper to operate despite their marginally worse conversion efficiency. Electric boilers tend to last longer, all things equal, though they may not make up for other costs over a lifetime.
Electric boilers are also weaker at the top end than gas boilers, which can struggle with similar issues to condensing boilers in poorly insulated properties. However, you won’t need to run gas lines if you don’t already have them, won’t need to deal with the additional concerns gas introduces in terms of air quality and ventilation, and might be able to make use of a cutting-edge heat pump boiler, with energy efficiency approaching 400%.
Why Choose Verne & Ellsworth Hann?
For over 65 years, Verne & Ellsworth Hann has been the premiere boiler installation company in Greater Cleveland. In the early decades of the business, they were responsible for installing hundreds of new boilers and radiators in Cleveland Heights’ historic neighborhoods. Today under the operation of brothers Chris and Bill Hann, the company continues this dedication to superior boiler service. Our licensed Cleveland heating technicians are happy to help you select a new boiler based on your unique needs, provide a written estimate of installation costs, drain and remove your old tank, and install a new, high-efficiency hot water boiler or steam boiler.
Verne & Ellsworth Hann is Northeast Ohio’s premiere boiler service company for both homes and businesses. Contact us online today to experience our exceptional boiler installation service firsthand!
