Upgrading a failing or aging boiler can reduce your heating costs by as much as 30 percent, if you know what to look for. Unfortunately, many Front Range homeowners are in the dark when it comes to boiler replacement. That’s why we’ve created this handy buyer’s guide.

When you upgrade your boiler system, consider the following:

• The Energy Star Label – Always a good place to start, Energy Star-qualified products are required to live up to guidelines regarding energy efficiency and environmental safety.
• Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) – When comparing systems, this efficiency rating gives you an idea of how efficient a boiler is in creating heat from the energy it consumes. For example, a system that scores an 85 percent AFUE wastes 15 percent of the energy it consumes, whereas a 97 percent nAFUE system only wastes 3 percent.
• System Size – Even if you purchase a 97 percent AFUE system, it won’t provide the efficiency you desire if it isn’t tailored to suit your home. A recognized method of sizing must be used to ensure that the heating capacity of your system is consistent with your household’s heating load.
• Sealed Combustion – These systems prevent the backdrafting of harmful gases into your home, while saving you energy.
• Extended warranties – You never know when something will go wrong with your system. Make sure to ask about the details of manufacturer and contractor warranties. Choose a system that provides the sort of coverage that will allow you to rest easy knowing your investment is protected over the long term.

Before having a system sized for your home, it’s important to consider any efficiency issues such as household air leaks or faulty ductwork. As these issues affect your heating load, they should be corrected before sizing a new system. By fixing these items first, you ensure proper sizing and provide your new system conditions that help it to operate optimally.

If you’d like to know more about boiler options for your Denver-area home, contact Coffman and Companies onlineor call us at 303-366-1112. We’re here for all of your heating and cooling needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about boilers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Coffman & Companies services the greater Denver area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!