Oil & Gas Boilers
Reliability and Efficiency When You Need It
Oil boilers are still widely used in many homes today, and our full residential service offering is designed to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all year round. Like other types of boilers, oil is an efficient fuel source because it can heat large volumes of water very quickly. In newer, more efficient models, you may have the option to use recycled oil or biodiesel.
Oil boilers are a good water-heating solution if you do not have the option to connect a natural gas line to your home, or if you have unreliable electric service, as you can still access hot water during a power outage. You will also need plenty of basement space to keep an oil reserve tank.
How It Works
Oil boilers operate very similarly to other boilers, but there are a few differences. In a typical boiler, you have a burner that, in this case, ignites oil fuel, and the heat exchanger transfers heat to water in the pipes that travel through the home to provide heat for the room’s radiators and drinking water. For an oil boiler, a fuel provider delivers oil to your oil reserve tank, typically located in your basement.
Unlike a gas boiler, you will also need a circulation pump. Although a convection current forms as the water heats up, it does not generate sufficient speed to circulate the water through the heat exchanger. The pump provides additional circulation. If the pump fails, the water is turned to steam, pressurizing the heat exchanger. This could cause pipes to either burst or melt. It is strongly recommended to have a professional clean and maintain your boiler and all of its components for the safety of the equipment.
Benefits of Oil Boilers
- Oil burns evenly and quickly.
- Recycled oil or biodiesel fuel can be used.
- Some models can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
- Hot water is still available during power outages.
- Oil boilers offer an efficient solution in combination with a hot water heater for your domestic water needs.
Other Considerations
- Oil prices are high and often change based on availability and location.
- High demand for oil and limited supply may lead to temporary shortages or outages.
- A chimney or external vent to expel gas is required for installation.
- A storage tank for oil takes up a lot of space in the home.
Oil Boiler Priority Service and Maintenance
Oil boilers should produce little to no emissions, and it can take a trained eye to spot a problem. Receive a complete once-over plus new fuel filter cartridges and burner nozzles. Most other key components, including burner fans and motors, are included with labor free of charge.
Gas Boiler Repair and Installation
In the United States, natural gas is the most common fuel for fired boilers today. It is an easily accessible resource and a cheap heating fuel. Unlike liquid propane or oil fuels, you don’t need to have a truck deliver it to your house—a gas line already runs underneath most homes. Homeowners have the very convenient option to heat their house and provide heated water throughout their home with this single appliance.
Using Natural Gas
Natural gas, supplied to the home by an underground main line, is fed through a small pipe leading into your home. When the thermostat triggers the boiler to heat the house, a valve opens, releasing the natural gas into a combustion chamber in the form of small jets. An electric spark ignites the fuel. The fire heats the water-filled pipes that circulate through your home. The pipes connect to a radiator where the heated water emits heat energy into the room. Once the heat is exhausted into the air, the cooled water returns through the pipes back to the boiler, where it is reheated and circulated again.
About Condensing Boilers
Boilers have become much more energy efficient over the years. Different models of gas boilers have emerged, but condensing boilers are the most energy efficient today. In a typical gas boiler, there is a return flue at the bottom and another flue at the top. When the air in the room cools, it is collected in the return flue for reheating. In a condensing gas boiler, the return flue is connected to a condensing chamber where hot steam and condensate are usually collected and expelled outside the home. The hot steam can be reused to heat the cooled water, thereby allowing the boiler to work less to heat the water and air.
Benefits of Gas Boilers
- Natural gas is the cleanest burning fuel, contributing to the safety of our environment.
- Natural gas is an abundant natural resource and is a very inexpensive source of energy.
- Gas boilers can heat both your home’s water and air in a single unit.
- With natural gas, there is no storage tank or reserve for fuel.
- Efficient models, such as condensing gas boilers, have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of 90% or greater.
- Electric ignition of gas eliminates the need for a pilot light for the duration of the boiler’s operation.
- New combustion technologies allow for more efficient heating without using additional fuel.
- Heating of the air and water occurs more quickly than in other heating appliances.
Other Considerations to Gas Boilers
- Expensive Initial costs to install a gas boiler, including the natural gas hookup.
- Natural gas may not be available in your area.
- Requires an experienced, qualified expert to hook up natural gas to your home.
- Fires or explosions caused by a gas leak can cause fatal injuries and extensive damage to the home.
- Inspections of your gas line and heating equipment are highly recommended for maintaining your boiler.
- A separate water storage tank is typically required for potable water.
Why Does The Lehigh Valley Trust Burkholder’s
- Family Owned and Operated Since 1960: We’re your neighbors, not a franchise. Our team lives and works in the community we serve, and we treat every home like it’s our own.
- Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer: As a trusted Carrier partner, we offer industry-leading products backed by certified training and strict quality standards.
- 24/7 Emergency Service Availability: AC problems don’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Our technicians are on call around the clock to handle your urgent heating and cooling needs.
- Transparent Pricing & Flexible Financing: No surprises. We explain your options clearly, offer upfront pricing, and provide flexible financing to help you stay comfortable without the financial stress.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind every service we provide. If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right, guaranteed.
Are You Ready For The Days Ahead?
Prevent Breakdowns & Save on Energy Bills
- Contact Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning for expert AC repair, installation, or maintenance. Call us today or request your service online!
