Traditions and conventions are an important part of everyday life, but sometimes a traditional or conventional product may not be the best solution. For example, traditional boilers are made of heavy, slow-heating cast iron or thick steel. These conventional, high mass boilers take time and energy to heat, reducing efficiency while increasing costs. Some newer high mass models are made of different materials, but low mass boiler systems still prove themselves the winners for most homeowners. Read on for more information on the benefits of low mass boilers from our experts at Princeton Fuel:
Homeowner alternatives to High Mass Boilers
High mass boilers may work for businesses, but not necessarily for homeowners. High mass boilers are heavy and large, which makes them capable of heating and storing a large amount of hot water. Residential homes do not need that much hot water at any given time, which makes heating the excess water a waste of energy. Because of their large capacity, high mass boilers also take a long time to heat up. This fact makes the larger boilers impractical for Mercer County homeowners needing a relatively small amount of hot water for a shower, sink, or washing machine.
High mass boilers may be necessary for large businesses with multiple micro zones. However, using a low mass system in your home will help reduce standby losses that can by caused by unnecessary micro-zoning, resulting in direct energy savings. In addition, low mass solutions can still handle multiple zones as well as a wide range of required water temperatures.
Benefits of Low Mass Boilers for Homeowners
Low mass systems have a smaller holding tank and use smaller pipes than their high mass counterparts, allowing them to heat more quickly. They are generally made of aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, all of which are non-corrosive and resilient.
There are many Energy Star rated low mass systems included on the 2015 Energy.gov list of most efficient boilers. This is because most low mass boilers are fuel-efficient as well as environmentally friendly. A few more quick benefits of low mass systems include:
- Low operating cost
- Reduced energy loss
- Fewer fuel expenses
- Increased savings on your electric bill
- Space-saving design
- Heats quickly, with a fast recovery time
Different boilers include varying features that may further increase efficiency. Some models have ducted air vents or sealed combustion fans to improve performance. Condensing boilers work to recapture the energy typically lost as water vapor while heating. As a final example, modulating boilers respond to and match seasonal temperature changes to reduce energy losses and increase fuel savings.
Let Princeton Fuel Help You Choose the Right Low Mass Boiler
Are you ready to lower your energy bills and reduce the amount of fuel your boiler uses each year? The HVAC specialists at Princeton Fuel Oil can help you determine which low mass system is right for your home. In addition to installing, we also offer a variety of service agreement and burner maintenance plans. Contact us today online or by calling (800) 253-9001 to start seeing your energy savings!