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At BZ Dependable, we’ve installed countless boiler systems in the Teaneck area. One question that we often get is what are steam boilers and how do they differ from hot water boilers? We thought that it would be helpful if we dedicated an entire blog post to steam boiler systems and what the special considerations are for their installations.

Steam Boilers vs. Hot Water Boilers

There can be a lot of confusion between steam boilers and hot water boilers because their names are so similar. Here is some disambiguation:

  • Steam boilers – Steam boilers actually turn water into steam and use it to heat your home.
  • Hot water boilers – Heat water to between 140° F and 170° F and use a pump to circulate it through your home to provide heat.

Steam Boiler Considerations

Because of their unique construction, steam boilers require some additional thoughts before installing one.

  • Cost – The difference in cost between steam boilers and hot water boilers is negligible. The only difference in cost will be with the fuel used to heat the water.
  • Efficiency – Some claim that hot water boilers are more efficient because they don’t rely on pressure to move the water. Hot water boilers use pumps to move the water which can potentially make them more productive. However, there are steam boilers available that offer a very high degree of efficiency. Consulting with a heating contractor is a great way to get the most information available.
  • Extra parts – With a hot water boiler, there are many extra parts that are required to operate the system. As we mentioned above, pumps are required for hot water boilers while they aren’t with steam boilers. Additionally, there are valves, an expansion tank and other parts that are needed for a hot water boiler. Steam boilers don’t require such parts and can sometimes present a more attractive purchase.
  • Heating requirements – The temperature that each system operates at varies greatly. Obviously, steam boilers must heat the water to its boiling point which means that it requires more energy to heat the water. This must be taken into account as well.

If you have any questions about steam boilers, their installation or their operation, give the experts at BZ Dependable a call today. We have years of experience offering comprehensive heating services in the Teaneck area. We can help you choose the right heating system for your home, install it for you and make sure that it runs well. Call us today!

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If you heat your Tenafly home with a boiler system then you are already aware of the many benefits that a boiler has to offer. They provide even, consistent heating power in a very efficient manner. They are also very durable, boast long life spans and require little maintenance. This durability does not, however, make them impervious to occasional wear and tear or damages. If your boiler is in need of repair it is important that those repairs are made by a qualified professional in the timeliest manner possible. Sometimes this is more easily said than done. Even boiler operators with the best of intentions may inadvertently allow their boilers to incur unnecessary damage simply because they are not aware that their boilers need professional repair service. That is why it is so important to know the warning signs to look for. Here are some tips from the boiler experts at BZ Dependable to help you protect your boiler from unnecessary damages.

The most basic way for you to keep your boiler operating efficiently and effectively is simply to pay attention to its performance and output. Any inconsistencies or incongruities in its operation should be taken as cause for a professional assessment and possibly repair service. Do not make the common mistake of categorizing any problem with your boiler as “minor.”

If you notice the development of any cold spots throughout your home or other problems with heating consistency, you should call BZ Dependable immediately. Your boiler is likely in need of some repair service. The same is true if you recognize an increase in your home heating costs without any corresponding increase in heating usage. There could be a number of causes for this rise in heating costs, from inefficient insulation to leaky windows, but it is important to rule out the need for boiler repairs. Even any odd noises or odors that develop when you operate you boiler system may be indicative of a problem requiring professional repair service. Whatever the issue is it is important that it be dealt with immediately.

It is also advisable to simply take a look at and around your boiler occasionally. While you should never attempt the maintenance or repair of your boiler yourself you may be able to spot any water beading on pipes, collecting on the floor or even escaping steam or air bubbles indicating damage to your boiler. Calling for repair service as soon as possible is the only way to ensure the safe, efficient operation of your boiler.

When you notice any of these warning signs, you must call BZ Dependable right away. Act fast and keep repair costs as low as possible. Let us help you heat your Tenafly home with confidence.

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Sometimes when you purchase a house you do not necessarily get the home heating option that you would have chosen for installation yourself. Other times you decide that it may be time for a replacement and begin exploring other options. Whatever the reason for your decision, an oil to gas conversion is a great way to heat your home efficiently with a domestic, clean-burning fuel source. When it comes to home heating the popularity of oil has been waning for some time. If your old oil-fueled heating system is ready for replacement or you have simply decided that it is time for a change in your Fort Lee home, call the oil to gas conversion experts at BZ Dependable.

The oil to gas conversion process is a fairly big job, but it is one that can be done relatively quickly and affordably depending on a variety of factors. Obviously there must be access to a main gas line in the vicinity of your property, and a trench will need to dug to pipe gas from that main line into your home. If your home does not have the necessary gas piping system and hookups they will have to be installed. Obviously dealing with a potentially dangerous substance as natural gas must be handled by a qualified, trained professional, which is why you should call BZ Dependable.

It is necessary that your new gas-fueled heating system be properly sized for your home to ensure that it will be able to handle the task heating your home efficiently and effectively. Our professional technicians will help you find the correct size heating system for your home by performing a detailed heat load calculation. Once a new system and size has been settled on and the necessary fixtures are in place we can install your new gas heater.

Of course another step in the process is removing the equipment from your old oil based heating system. You cannot just leave these sort of materials on the side of the road for trash pickup. The oil to gas conversion experts will be sure that everything is properly, safely disposed of so that you can enjoy the new gas heating system in your home worry free.

There are a lot of benefits to switching over to natural gas, and BZ Dependable will be happy to discuss all of them with you. In addition to being highly efficient and reliant on a domestic fuel-source, gas systems also eliminate the need for fuel delivery and take up less space than oil fueled systems that need a storage tank. Consider making the switch to natural gas in your Fort Lee home.

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Oil used to be a very common home heating system fuel source. Coal was also, for that matter. Things change as time passes on, though, and home heating fuel sources are no exception. Natural gas has become the dominant fuel source for heating homes in this country, and with good reason. There are a lot of factors to consider when you are considering a conversion to natural gas, and it is important to understand these factors as fully as possible in order to make the right decisions about how to heat your home in Teaneck. BZ Dependable has gathered some information for you to review that should help you decide if a natural gas conversion is right for you. Consider the reasons you may want to switch to natural gas and the potential benefits that this fuel source may offer to your home. If you decide that a natural gas conversion is the way to go or if you simply need more information, call the home heating professionals at BZ Dependable.

(201) 837-6700

Coal has all but disappeared as a home heating option, as it is not very convenient and not a very clean fuel option. Oil is more common, but when it comes to clean burning and energy efficiency it is difficult to argue against natural gas. It produces less pollution and gives you more heating power for you money.

Many oil furnaces are fairly old, as they are certainly built to last, but even newer models cannot match the efficiency of natural gas furnaces. High efficiency model natural gas furnaces allow you to lose almost no energy in the heating process. Plus, with an oil or propane tank you must rely on the delivery of your fuel source by a third party. When you heat your home with natural gas a main gas line pipes the fuel source directly into your home. You do not need to have it delivered and there is no chance that you may run out of it. The fact that natural gas is a predominantly domestic fuel source is a big selling point as well.

The cost of converting your home to natural gas may dissuade some people from investing in a conversion. However, even if your home does not have a preexisting gas piping system the potential savings of heating your home with natural gas can offset that cost. When you are a homeowner it is important to think about these decisions with an eye on the long term. If you live in an area where natural gas lines are not accessible you may want to look elsewhere for a fuel source. However, if natural gas is accessible to you in your Teaneck home it is hard to argue against a professional natural gas conversion from the heating experts at BZ Dependable.

(201) 837-6700

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*BZ Dependable Plumbing & Heating Inc. no longer offers radiant heating services. Check out our other heating services to find the perfect fit for your heating needs.

Radiant floor heating has been around since the Roman Empire. While radiant floor heating is not as common as traditional forced air systems, it provides efficient and even heating through your Teaneck home.

Higher Efficiency

Radiant floor heaters have been proven to reduce energy consumption when compared to other heating systems. Because radiant floor systems heat all of the objects in a room, including people. This means that with a radiant floor system, most people will feel comfortable at lower temperatures. Additionally, radiant floor systems reduce energy loss through the ceiling. By heating the air at the floor, the air will give off most of its heat before it reaches the ceiling.

Quiet and Invisible Heating System

Without the need for ducts and registers, radiant floor heating systems are invisible to you and your guests. This opens up your home because you don’t have to plan your furniture placement based on where the registers are. A radiant floor system has no ducts or fans which means that they are almost silent.

Reduce Allergens

Forced-air systems have been credited with blowing dust and allergens throughout people’s homes. Duct work can get dirty or clogged. Dust, bacteria and mold can accumulate in ducts and that gets distributed throughout your home.  With radiant floor heating, none of that happens because the heat is coming up through your floor.

If you have any questions about radiant floor heating and if it’s a good option for your home in Teaneck, call the professionals at BZ Dependable Plumbing & Heating Inc. today.

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When you have a boiler in your Teaneck home or office building you probably know that you should have it regularly inspected and maintained. Not only can this potentially extend the life of your boiler, it can also save you money by detecting small problems early before they develop into larger, more expensive problems.

But what actually happens during a boiler inspection? Below we’ve put together a short list of some of the main things that your heating technician will be checking during his visit. If you need boiler inspection, contact your local Teaneck heating company.

Clean and Patch Fireside and Refractory Surfaces

Your heating technician will clean out the actual heating element and make sure that it is operating properly. They will also look at the refractory surface to check for holes or cracks and then patch them. The refractory surface is made out of a heat-resistance material and is able to withstand high temperatures.

Inspect and Clean Gaskets

There are several gaskets that are very important to the safe operation of your boiler. Your heating technician will ensure that all of them are in good working order. In some models of commercial and residential boilers there is a gasket on the front and rear doors that seal them shut. There are also gaskets on the water cut-off valves that need to be inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Check Air Passageways and Blower

Proper venting of exhaust fumes and proper intake of fresh air are critical to the functioning of your boiler. Your heating technician will ensure that the seals in your exhaust vent are in good working order and that the combustion air opening is unobstructed. They will also check your fan motor and perform maintenance on it if there are belts, fan blades or electrical components that appear broken or worn.

Check Pilot and Burner

Your heating technician will also check the pilot electrode and the burner to make sure that they are operating correctly. If the pilot needs adjusting or if the burner is out of position, your heating technician can fix those as well.

Check Area Around Boiler

Your heating technician will look for leaking water around the tank which could indicate a leaking water pipe or a corroded water tank. The heating technician will also make sure that there aren’t any flammable materials around the area of the boiler.

If you need boiler inspection for your home or commercial building in Teaneck, contact the heating experts at BZ Dependable today.

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