Steam Boiler Basics
In steam heating systems, boilers heat water with gas, oil, or electricity. The steam from the heated water then travels through pipes to radiators or convectors throughout the house. As the steam cools, it condenses back into water and returns to the boiler to be heated again. Hot water heating systems operate on the same principle, using hot water instead of steam to heat the radiators in your home.
Steam heating systems have a long lifespan, and are still in many Boston-area homes and multi-family apartment buildings. Like all other heating systems, they need to be serviced annually to ensure problem-free and efficient operation. We recommend that you have your steam heating system tuned up at least once a year, preferably in the early fall before the heating system sees heavy use. We’ll find and fix any small problems before they develop into more complicated issues.
