The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Electric Steam Boiler

Boilers are considered central heating systems because the heat generated by the equipment is spread throughout the home. However, unlike other heating methods, there is typically a small lag time between the boiler turning on and the heat being dispersed.

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Most boilers produce steam or hot water using natural gas or heating oil, and are either condensing or non-condensing (see below). Boilers are required by the federal government to be at least 80 percent efficient, and can have efficiencies as high as 98.5 percent. Some boilers can be expensive to install, but all types typically last 15 to 30 years, and you can avoid possible repair headaches by reading our guide to the Most and Least Reliable Boilers. You should also look at Consumer Reports’ and surveys of 2,137 boilers, owned by members who installed a new unit between and , to get a clearer picture of which brands are preferred by members.

Gas-Fired Boilers
Gas-fired boilers are fueled by either natural gas or propane, and are highly efficient. However, natural gas is not available everywhere, and some homeowners at the end of a gas pipeline pay higher fuel prices. Propane typically is more expensive than natural gas, but it’s available throughout the U.S.

Oil-Fired Boilers
If you buy a oil-fired boiler, you’ll need heating oil delivered and stored in tanks like the one above, and your operating costs will be affected by the rise and fall of oil prices.

Some boiler manufacturers now offer models that use biodiesel fuel, which produces less pollution than regular heating oil. Depending on oil prices, biodiesel heating oil can be cost-competitive with standard oil. However, because it burns cleaner and lubricates the system, biodiesel fuel can reduce your boiler service and cleaning costs.

Electric Boilers
Electric boilers are highly energy efficient. However, they typically are not economical because electricity costs more than other fuel types in many parts of the country. If you are interested in electric heating, consider a heat pump.  

Steam Radiators
Steam heating is one of the oldest heating technologies, and upright metal steam radiators positioned along walls in older homes are common. They can provide consistent, comfortable heat.

Steam radiators need some simple maintenance to work properly and efficiently. In addition, a radiator can warp or create a groove in the floor. If that happens, the radiator may tilt, causing it to make loud banging noises. Plus, steam radiators on exterior walls can radiate some heat to the outdoors, and limit your ability to position furniture around the room.

Hot Water Radiators
More common in newer homes, hot water radiators run along a room’s baseboard or stand upright like a steam radiator. Hot water radiators can reduce your home’s energy consumption because they allow you to control the temperature of each floor or a large space. A heating professional can install automatic valves on the radiators, and connect them to separate thermostats.

The most common problem with hot water radiators is unwanted air in the system. Plus, like steam models, upright hot water radiators can limit your ability to position furniture.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating
Hydronic (water) systems are the most common radiant floor heating systems. A boiler heats water and flows it to tubing under the flooring, which acts as a giant radiator. Hydronic systems can heat a whole house, but they’re mainly used to heat a single room or area, and some can be zoned so thermostats regulate each space.

Hydronic radiant heating is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating, too. It also doesn’t distribute allergens like forced-air systems can, and uses little electricity. However, hydronic systems can be expensive to install and to repair, and may not be as efficient if the floor is covered with thick carpeting.

Condensing vs. Non-Condensing
All boilers are either condensing or non-condensing. A condensing boiler concentrates water vapor produced in the heating process, and uses waste heat to preheat cold water entering the boiler. Condensing boilers are extremely energy efficient because they can provide ample heat while operating at lower temperatures.

Non-condensing boilers typically operate at higher temperatures, and some heat ends up being vented outside. Non-condensing boilers are 80 percent to 88 percent efficient, while condensing boilers have efficiencies greater than 88 percent.

Sealed Combustion vs. Non-Sealed Combustion
Boilers are either sealed-combustion or non-sealed combustion units. 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. Also, sealed-combustion boilers won’t introduce dangerous gases into your home.

Climate
If you live you in a cold climate, a boiler may be a good choice for your home. But if you live in a warm climate, you may not need a central heating system. In that case, consider a heat pump, which can satisfy your air conditioning needs as well as moderate heating requirements.

Fuel Type
Gas-fueled boilers may cost less to operate than oil-fueled ones if heating oil prices are high. However, the fuel type you choose will depend on what’s available in your area.

Sizing
The boiler’s size is as important as its efficiency. If the boiler is undersized, it won’t work efficiently; if it is oversized, it will cost you more to heat your home. Work with a heating and cooling professional, who should use an Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J calculation to determine the right boiler type and size. The calculation will take into consideration your home’s foundation, wall thicknesses, insulation values, windows, air filtration and more.

Cooling
Boilers only provide heat; so you’ll need a cooling system, too, if you want to air condition your home.

Boilers are rated with an annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) score, which tells you how much energy is being converted into useable heat. New boilers must have an AFUE rating of at last 80 percent, and high-efficiency models are 90 to 98.5 percent efficient. The higher the rating, the higher the equipment cost, but the lower the operating cost.

For example, say your current boiler’s AFUE score is 65 percent and you pay $1,300 a year for fuel bills. If you install a high-efficiency natural gas system with an AFUE of 90 percent, your total yearly savings should be about $364.

Unless it’s an emergency, and your current boiler is no longer functioning, don’t buy a new boiler until you make the rest of your home as energy efficient as possible, because reducing your home’s heating load will allow you to buy a smaller, less expensive system. If needed, you should:

• Add insulation to your attic and walls.
• Add weather stripping around doors and caulk around windows to keep heat from escaping.
• Properly insulate cooling system ducts in crawl spaces and attics.
• Clean your chimney.
• Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise to blow rising heat down.
• Install and set programmable thermostats to automatically lower the temperature at night and while you are away. Programmable thermostats can save you 10 percent annually on your heating bills.

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Boilers should be serviced annually by a heating professional to ensure efficient heating. The technician should:

Hot Water Boilers
• Test the pressure-relief valve and high-limit control.
• Inspect the pressure tank.
• Clean the heat exchanger.

Steam Boilers
• Drain some water to remove sediments.
• Check the safety controls.
• Analyze the water and add chemicals if needed.
• Clean the heat exchanger.

Both Systems
• Check the vent connection pipe and chimney to see if they are deteriorating.
• Check the heat exchangers and pipes to see if they are leaking.
• Adjust the water and air temperature settings for optimum efficiency and comfort.

Upright and Baseboard Radiators
• Make sure radiators are not obstructed by furniture, carpeting, rugs, and drapes.
• Be sure to release trapped air from hot water radiators at the beginning of the heating season and possibly one more time during the heating season. If you are unsure how to perform this task, contact a heating professional.
• Place shims under the radiators so they are pitched slightly toward the pipe in a one-pipe system or toward the steam trap in a two-pipe system.
• Place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and exterior walls to keep heat from escaping.

Introduce

The road to long-term environmental protection with electric steam boilers is long, but definitely worth it. If you are looking for a smart investment, you have come to the right place. Electric steam boilers have a fully intelligent control system and are operated via a touch screen. The degree of boiler automation control and operational reliability are greatly improved, and the operation is simpler and more intuitive. Because we are sure that they may eventually become the newest member of your home.

What is an electric steam boiler？

Electric steam boilers are among the most efficient and versatile heating systems used in various industries. Known for their precise control and eco-friendliness, they convert electrical energy into thermal energy to produce steam, which is then used for heating and industrial processes.

Electric steam boilers operate through electric resistance or electromagnetic induction, ensuring that the heat generated is effectively transferred to the water. This results in a highly efficient system with minimal energy loss, saving operational costs over time.

What sets electric steam boilers apart? They excel in providing a steady and reliable supply of steam without the need for combustion fuels. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also simplifies maintenance and operational procedures. With advanced control systems, electric steam boilers can adjust their output to match demand, further enhancing their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

How Does an Electric Steam Boiler Work?

Curious about how an electric steam boiler operates? Let’s break it down for you. Several key components work together to ensure the efficient production of steam. Here’s how it works:

1. Water Supply System:

The boiler is equipped with an automatic control system that manages the water supply. Using liquid controllers or high, medium, and low-level probes, the system controls the operation of the water pump, ensuring the appropriate amount of water is supplied to the boiler.

2. Combustion Chamber and Heating System:

Unlike traditional boilers that use fuel, electric steam boilers use electric resistance or electromagnetic induction to generate heat. The heating system heats the water in the boiler’s chamber to produce steam.

3. Automatic Control System:

The automatic control system ensures that the water pump operates efficiently. When the water level drops to a low point, the water pump activates to add more water. Once the high water level is reached, the pump stops, maintaining a consistent water level.

4. Pressure Regulation:

A pressure switch or relay regulates the steam pressure within the boiler. As steam is generated and used, the pressure fluctuates. The control system ensures that the pressure remains within the set limits for safe and efficient operation.

5. Steam Generation:

The electric heating elements continuously heat the water in the boiler. As the water heats up, steam is produced and accumulates. The pressure gauge on the control panel or at the top of the boiler indicates the current steam pressure.

6. Safety Protection System:

The boiler is equipped with various safety features to protect against potential issues. These include automatic shut-off in case of high pressure, low water levels, or other malfunctions.Throughout this process, indicator lights on the control panel display the status of the boiler, allowing operators to monitor its operation easily. The efficient and automated nature of electric steam boilers makes them ideal for various industrial applications, providing a reliable source of steam with minimal environmental impact.

Advantages of Electric Steam Boilers

Understanding the benefits of electric steam boilers can help you see why they are a smart investment for industrial applications:

• Electric steam boilers can lead to significant cost savings due to their high efficiency and reduced fuel requirements.
• With near 100% efficiency, electric steam boilers produce minimal emissions, reducing environmental impact and helping meet stringent regulatory standards.
• Electric steam boilers have fewer moving parts and lower exhaust temperatures, which reduces wear and tear, leading to less frequent maintenance and longer component life.
• These boilers do not require large fuel storage tanks, making them more compact and easier to install in smaller spaces.
• With proper care and maintenance, electric steam boilers can have a long operational life, often lasting up to 20 years or more.

Disadvantages of Electric Steam Boilers

While electric steam boilers offer numerous advantages, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks before making an investment:

• Electric steam boilers can be more expensive upfront due to the advanced technology and components required.
• These boilers are complex systems that require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
• Depending on your location, the cost of electricity can be higher than that of other fuel sources, impacting operating expenses.
• Electric steam boilers need a reliable and consistent power supply, which may not be feasible in all areas or during power outages.
• Components for electric steam boilers can be costly to replace, potentially leading to higher maintenance expenses over time.

Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision when evaluating whether an electric steam boiler is the right choice for your industrial needs.

What is the Cost of an Electric Steam Boiler?

Is investing in an electric steam boiler worth its price tag? Given the efficiency and low maintenance, the answer is a resounding yes.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Small Applications (50-100k BTU): $1,500 to $3,000
• Medium Applications (100-300k BTU): $3,000 to $7,000
• Large Applications or Industrial Settings (300k+ BTU): $7,000 to $20,000+

These costs vary depending on the size and capacity required, as well as the specific installation costs. Although electric steam boilers tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional steam boilers, they offer significant savings over time due to their higher efficiency and lower maintenance needs. This is a primary reason why more industries and commercial settings are transitioning to electric steam boilers.

Conclusion