Today's natural gas boilers can be up to 90% efficient, helping you use less energy and lower your energy bills for years.

Learn more

• Watch an online video on heating systems NEW!
• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler
• 2008 Residential heating system rebate program
  
  

Download our Home Heating Systems fact sheet

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Learn more

• Do I need a new boiler?
• Shopping for a boiler
• How a natural gas boiler works
• Energy saving tips
• Caring for your natural gas boiler
• Safety & your natural gas boiler

Do I need a new boiler?

You may need a new boiler if:

• Your current equipment is not as reliable as it used to be.
  
• Your current system needs frequent repairs or doesn't start at the beginning of a season.
  
• Your boiler is 30 years old or older.
  
• You aren't sure how old your boiler is. If you recently bought your home and do not know how old or how safe your boiler is, you should schedule a professional heating system check in the summer or fall to ensure you are ready for winter.
  
  

Shopping for a boiler

Buying a boiler or other home heating system is one of the biggest purchases you'll make. A new boiler can cost $3,600 or more and will affect you and your family's comfort — for the life of the system. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a boiler:

• Consider efficiency. A higher efficiency boiler may cost more to purchase, but it can save as much as 20% to 35% per year on your heating bills, depending on the equipment you buy.
  
• Buy from a reputable dealer. Choose someone you can trust that sells quality brand boilers — this is a big purchase.
  
• Talk to friends and neighbors. You can learn a lot by asking people who purchased a boiler and lived with it for a few years.
  
• Get estimates. Compare efficiencies and installation costs of various models.
  
• Get educated. Become an educated shopper by reading our Home Heating Systems fact sheet and other consumer publications.
  
• Look for "Design Certified" models. This is a certification from the American Gas Association ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency.
  
  

How a natural gas boiler works

A boiler is a forced hot water central heating system that operates on the principle that warm water rises. Hot water heating systems include an expansion tank to provide a cushion of air for heated water to expand against so pressure doesn't become excessive in the system. Here's how they work:

• Hot water circulates from the boiler through supply pipes to the radiators. Cool water returns to the boiler due to the weight difference between warm and cool water. The lowest radiator must be above the top of the boiler.
  
• Hot water is distributed by a pump. Pipes that carry the water to the boiler can be above or below the boiler. See illustration. 
  
  
  

Efficiency savings for natural gas boilers

** Since 1992, furnaces are required to have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 78% or greater, and boilers must have an AFUE of 80% or greater, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Energy saving tips

There are many things you can do to help your boiler use less energy.

• Remove high-pile carpet blocking baseboard radiators at the bottom.
  
• Insulate distribution pipes (the pipes that carry hot water from the boiler to radiators throughout the house, and back to the boiler) if they pass through unheated areas.
  
• If you turn off the pilot during summer to save energy, you should know how to safely relight it. It might not be economical to hire a serviceperson to relight the pilot.
  
• Bleed the radiators. Radiators should be full of water for maximum heat output; air in a radiator obstructs the water flow. If the radiator is warm at the bottom and cool at the top, or warm at the inlet side and cool at the outlet side, there may be air in the radiator. Keep radiators free of air by bleeding them and adding water when needed, according to manufacturer's instructions.
  
• If manufacturer's instructions for bleeding radiators are not available, open the air bleed valve to allow air to escape. See illustration below. Close the valve when water begins to flow from it. Start with the radiator located at the highest level in the house and repeat on all the radiators, ending with the one at the lowest level. You may need to add water to the system after bleeding.
  
• Check with your local building inspector to see what, if any, energy-saving retrofits comply with your local codes. In recent years, a number of energy-saving devices have been developed for heating systems. Sealing your home can go a long way toward reducing energy loss and lowering your winter heating bills.

Caring for your natural gas boiler

Boilers need periodic care to extend operating life, save energy and increase efficiency. Use the following as general guidelines, but follow manufacturer's recommendations whenever possible.

Things you can do yourself

• Check chimney and vent connector (the pipe between the boiler and the chimney). Replace if there are rust holes or corrosion.
  
• Oil pump at least twice during the heating season. Some are permanently lubricated. Check manufacturer's instructions. Bleed the radiators. Radiators should be full of water for maximum heat output; air in a radiator obstructs the water flow.
  
• If manufacturer's instructions for bleeding radiators are not available, open the air bleed valve to allow air to escape. See illustration.
  
  

• Check the V-belt and replace if worn or cracked.
  
• If the pilot light goes out, look for relighting instructions printed on the furnace. If it goes out repeatedly, call a professional.
  
• Have a professional check your boiler once a year to make sure it is running safely and efficiently.
  
  

Contact a professional when...

• Your heating system is not working properly. Signs include...
  
  • Odors and/or irritation to your nose or eyes
    
  • Soot and carbon deposits on the burner, in the combustion chamber, on the floor near the furnace/boiler or below the draft hood opening
    
  • Buildup of dust, dirt or scale on burners and/or burner components
    
  • A yellow flame rather than a blue flame
    
  • Flame backing up and burning outside the combustion chamber
    
  • Excessive humidity or frost on windows or walls
    
• Your natural gas burners need cleaning or adjusting
  
  

Safety & your natural gas boiler

• Keep boiler area clear of flammable liquids (gasoline, paint products, solvents or cleaners) and all combustible materials (newspaper, cardboard boxes or rags).
  
• Boilers run longer during very cold weather to maintain the thermostat setting, so radiator surfaces may be hot. Keep children away.
  
• If the pilot goes out, look for relighting instructions printed on the boiler. If it goes out repeatedly, call a qualified heating contractor.
  
• Prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Have your boiler and all fuel-burning equipment checked by a professional once a year to be sure they have sufficient air for proper combustion.
  
  

Learn more about carbon monoxide safety by downloading our Using Natural Gas Safely fact sheet.