Building Management Hawaii August/September - (Page 31)

Water Heaters Versus Boilers Boilers offer advantages that can trump traditional heating systems By Mike Cunningham M more heat than air alone. It's also lighter than water, so it takes less effort to move. Steam can also be used for a number of different applications, such as heating the air in a forced air heating system or the floor in a radiant heating system, and to heat water for general-purpose use. There are advantages to boilers that make them superior to traditional heating systems. First of all, instead boileRs & backflow any times the terms water heater and boiler are used interchangeably. Although both heat water, there are distinct differences between the two. A traditional hot water heater is a storage tank with heating elements in it. The heat is generated by either burning gas or electricity. Typically the water is heated to about 125 degrees Fahrenheit and kept at that temperature by a thermostat until it is needed. Then the water is drawn from the top of the tank and sent through supply pipes to whatever fixture is requesting hot water, such as a sink, shower or laundry machine. As the water is drawn off the top, fresh cold water is added to the bottom to be heated along with the rest of the water in the tank. There are advantages to boilers that make them superior to traditional heating systems. Committed to Service, Quality and 100% Customer Satisfaction www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com SERVICES A boiler is essentially a box, often full of tubing, through which water flows to be heated very rapidly. A boiler can heat a whole complex, or be exclusively reserved for a pool or a hot tub. It also requires controls and pumps that are more complex than those for water heaters. Boilers don't just heat water, however-they boil it and then turn it into steam. Steam is a light, cheap, safe medium in which to transport heat from where it is generated to where it is needed. It's denser than air, so it can hold DOONWOOD ENGINEERING is your solution to all of your mechanical systems concerns. We provide innovative, high quality and cost effective installation, repair, replacement and comprehensive maintenance services. * Air Compressors * Generators * Backflow Preventers * Millwright Services * Air Handling Equipment * Boiler and Hot Water Generation * Building Systems Evaluations * Electrical Controls * Emergency Services * Heat Pumps * Preventive Maintenance * Pumping Systems * Water Treatment and Distribution Systems 24-Hours, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year Service Since 1975 333 Uluniu St., Kailua, HI 96734 * P: 808.262.2344 * F: 808.261.7123 CONTRACTORS LIC. #AC-11764 BMH August-September 2014 31 http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii August/September

Roofing Warranties: Read Them
Heeding Pacific Cyclone Warnings
Eco-friendly Metal Roofing
Cool Roofing Technology
When Good Pipes Go Bad
Why Cast Iron Pipes Fail
Is Your Sewer Squeaky Clean?
Water Heaters Versus Boilers
Preventing Backflow
Safeguarding Your Building’s Water
Safeguarding Your Building’s Water
Why Regular HVAC Inspections Matter
Why Regular HVAC Inspections Matter
Industry News
Industry News
On Site: A Well-Run Association
On Site: A Well-Run Association

Building Management Hawaii August/September