What Size Boiler Do I Need?

A common question among homeowners and landlords everywhere is, what size boiler do I need? Hydronic or radiant heating systems are not all too common in the US, so there is some mystery to them. If you are using a hot water boiler to heat your home, finding the right size is so very important. Many individuals just go out and buy one without putting much thought into it at all. What these individuals don't realize is that the right boiler could make all the difference in their home. It will not only save them money, but it will also heat them much more comfortably.

Consequences of Going Too Small

When you are out shopping for a boiler, chances are the smaller ones will be more tempting. Because of their size, they are cheaper to purchase. However, depending on the size of your home or complex, they may not heat it properly. This is why it's so important to find out the size of the boiler you need before you make your purchase. If you purchase a boiler that is too small you will find that your machine works continuously to warm your house. This will hike up your energy bill and will make it difficult to get warm.

What If the Boiler Is Too Large?

Many individuals think that they can't go wrong purchasing a boiler that is too large for their home. These individuals couldn't be any more wrong. If you are looking to save money with your boiler, purchasing one which is too large for your house is going to cost you. If your boiler is too big, the heat exchanger in it never reaches its optimal heat transfer rate prior to the burner shutting off. When your boiler runs for a longer period of time it will cause less fuel to be used as more of the energy goes to heating up your house, and not your exchanger. It's so important to find a boiler that fits your home just right.

Finding the Right Size for Your Home

Finding the right size boiler for your home is extremely easy, and can be done in a few simple steps. If you are looking to find one for your home, here are some guidelines:

Measure the Square Footage of Your Home - If you don't know your square footage, you'll need to get an estimate. To measure, take the sum of the length x the width of each room in your home.
Find Your Boiler - You need about 30 BTUs per square foot. Boiler capacity is measured by BTUs (British Thermal Units).

Example: What Size Boiler Do I Need for 2,000 sq ft?

So all you have to do is take the square footage and multiply it by 30. If your home is 2,000 square feet than you will need about 60,000 BTUs.

Finding the right size of the boiler for your home is so very important. It's a step that often goes forgotten in the installation process and one that is so important. If you are looking to purchase a boiler for your home make sure you are doing your part to ensure your measurements are accurate, and you're getting the right size you need. These few simple tips will save you from a lot of problems later on down the road. Help others answer the age-old question, what size boiler do I need by sharing this article on social media and get great deals on Lochinvar and Dunkirk here at PlumbersStock.