Boilersystem

Boilersystem is a facility or arrangement that heats water to provide space heating, domestic hot water, or process heat. It includes a boiler unit with a heat exchanger and burner or electric element, a fuel or power supply, feedwater and makeup systems, circulation pumps and piping, heat emitters, and controls for temperature, pressure, and safety.

In operation, fuel combustion or electric heating raises the water temperature inside the boiler. The heated water is circulated through radiators or coils and returns to be reheated. Condensing boilers recover heat from exhaust gases by cooling them below the dew point, increasing efficiency; electric boilers use resistance elements.

Configurations vary by application. Residential systems are hot-water or steam and use gas-fired, oil-fired, or electric boilers. System boilers feed a separate hot-water cylinder; combi boilers provide domestic hot water on demand. Industrial boilers may be designed for high-pressure steam or hot process water.

Efficiency is commonly measured as AFUE or seasonal efficiency. Condensing and well-insulated systems can exceed 90% AFUE, while older non-condensing units are typically 70–85%. Modern controls, such as modulating burners and zoning, improve energy use.

Safety devices include a pressure relief valve, low-water cutoff, flame safeguard, and proper venting. Regular maintenance by qualified technicians is required, including annual service, boiler-water treatment, descaling in hard-water areas, and leak checks.

Installations obey local building codes and pressure-vessel standards (e.g., ASME in the US). In many regions, installation must be by licensed professionals; EU installations may bear CE marks and comply with efficiency directives.