Plate Heat Exchanger Holiday Inn

Since boilers work behind the scenes in our homes, we often take them for granted until something goes wrong and they need some fixing.

We know that boilers distribute hot water to our taps and radiators to keep our homes warm and cosy. Still, many people are unaware that a heat exchanger is one of the most critical components of the boiler system. The question remains—what precisely is the function of a heat exchanger?

A heat exchanger allows heat to be transferred between two fluids or substances, generally water or gas, without allowing the fluids or substances to interact. Heat exchangers are used in a wide range of appliances in homes and commercial buildings.

Power plants use industrial heat exchangers that recycle heat in waste gases, and they can also be used to heat swimming pools or cool freezers and air conditioners. That said, here’s a quick guide on why they remain important:

How Do Heat Exchangers Function?

Heat exchangers function by transporting heat from one location to another. When your boiler starts burning natural gas, the byproducts called flue gasses enter and pass through the heat exchanger, where a long, coiled pipe runs through. The heated flue gases then heat the coiled tube, which gradually warms the cold water around it.

Heat exchanger fans, condensers, belts, coolants, extra tubes and lines, and other components and equipment work together to improve heating and cooling efficiency or flow in residential and commercial spaces.

Heat Exchanger Types

Your boiler would not heat the water distributed to your radiators and flows out of your taps if it did not have a heat exchanger. In essence, without a heat exchanger, there would be no hot water to heat.

There are two kinds of heat exchangers:

1. Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers

Stainless steel is a long-lasting material ideal for this use since your heat exchanger must be built of durable materials to last a long time.

The use of stainless steel heat exchangers has the advantage of reducing the possibility of corrosion. It means your heat exchanger will last longer and be more efficient, saving you money in the long term.

Stainless steel heat exchangers can also handle greater flow rates, allowing you to heat your water faster. This greater flow rate also reduces the chance of debris or rust clogging the exchanger, extending its lifespan.

Furthermore, stainless steel is self-cleaning and a relatively lightweight material, making it perfect for use in various appliances that need water heating.

2. Aluminium Heat Exchangers

Aluminium heat exchangers are more tolerant of changing system quality, such as flow rate settings, dirt, and air, than stainless steel ones since they have more expansive waterways. It means they are ideal for replacing a boiler on an outdated system.

An aluminium heat exchanger will allow for a broader range of temperature differentials, generally 11 to 20 °C, making it ideal for older systems that cannot achieve a 20 °C differential without system changes.

Why Do Heat Exchangers Need to Be Used?

A heat exchanger is necessary since they keep your boiler operating effectively. They are used in a wide variety of industrial applications too. Industrial processes require a certain amount of heat to work.

Great care must be taken to prevent these processes from becoming excessively hot, so proper care and maintenance are a must. In the case of boiler rentals, you have the advantage of getting installation and maintenance support from your supplier.

Conclusion: Are Heat Exchangers Worth It?

The advantages of putting a heat exchanger in a home include enhanced moisture removal, decreased structural damage, elimination of hazardous pollutants, and lower energy expenses. The improved indoor air quality that results can positively impact the home’s inhabitants and their health. The installation also raises the home’s market value.

Fuel savings and payback periods for a £1,000 can be four to five years, but having an energy-efficient heat system in your house is invaluable and worth the investment compared to the long-term advantages.

London Climate Hire specialises in installing temporary boiler hire and heater rentals in London and the surrounding counties. Our fleet of commercial boilers and heaters have been selected through our years of experience in this industry and tried and tested applications and the most efficient equipment in the industry. Call us now at 0800 270 7006 for an instant quote!