First-time buyers consider a lot of factors before choosing a boiler, one of the most important additions in your house that can also increase the value of your property. The very first question they ask is if it is an oil-fired boiler or gas-fired boiler. You should consider the availability of the fuel before you check the pros and cons of a gas-fired boiler and oil-fired boiler. When it comes to fuel, you should also consider the space available for the boiler. You need a tank to store oil.
Another important factor many people don’t pay attention to is the material. The durability and performance of your boiler depend on the material and quality of components such as the heat exchanger. Consider the material when you are buying HB Smith Boiler or HB Smith Boiler parts.
When you read the specifications, you will find that the following three materials are commonly used in heat exchangers:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Cast iron
Heat exchanger is one of the most important HB Smith Boiler parts. A heat exchanger transfers heat to water from the combustion gases. In this article, you will learn about the pros and cons of heat exchangers made using stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron.
Cast iron heat exchangers
Its low price is not the only reason behind using it in heat exchangers. This material is also pretty good at handling changes in temperature. Cast iron heat exchangers are very durable. This is the reason why heat exchangers using this material come with the longest warranties. Leading manufacturers offer warranties of twenty years on their top models. HB Smith Boiler, Utica Boiler, Peerless Boiler and other top manufacturers manufacture boilers using cast iron heat exchangers.
Though they are very durable, there are three concerns with heat exchangers using this material.
- Cast iron is a heavy material.
- It is not suitable for condensing boilers.
- It is not as efficient as the other two materials when it comes to heat transfer.
Cast iron heat exchangers are used in affordable oil and gas-fired boilers. These are floor mounted boilers with standard efficiency.
Aluminum heat exchangers
Heat exchangers using aluminum are not as common as cast iron heat exchangers and stainless steel heat exchangers. Aluminum is a lighter material. It is more efficient than cast iron when it comes to heat transfer. Aluminum heat exchangers are less expensive than stainless steel heat exchangers.
You cannot use aluminum heat exchangers in condensing boilers.
Many boilers with efficiency ranging between 90% at 94% use aluminum heat exchangers. Utica UB90-100 IV 90% boiler uses aluminum heat exchanger.
Stainless steel heat exchangers
It is the only material used in heat exchangers for condensing boilers. These boilers are ultra efficient. They condense the moisture in exhaust gases to capture additional heat. Now the question is why cast iron heat exchangers and aluminum heat exchangers are not used in condensing boilers. It is because acidic flue gas condensate can destroy aluminum heat exchangers and cast iron heat exchangers. As it is a light material, stainless steel heat exchangers are used in wall-hung gas boilers.
However, stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum and cast iron. It is the only material used in condensing boilers. Such boilers come with warranties 15 years or less.
You can buy boilers and boiler parts online. However, you need the right advice to buy an HB Smith Boiler or any other boiler. You can count on a plumber for the right advice.
