Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Which statement about boiler systems is correct?

1. Boiler systems can be either closed or open.

2. Boiler hot water systems boil water.

3. Efficiency levels of oil furnaces are limited to the mid-70% range.

4. Gas furnaces do not require a heat exchanger.

The correct answer is: Efficiency levels of oil furnaces are limited to the mid-70% range.

The correct statement regarding boiler systems is that boiler systems can be either closed or open. Closed systems are designed to operate with a sealed system where the water is circulated within a closed loop, minimizing the loss of water and controlling pressure levels. Open systems, on the other hand, can allow for water and steam to escape into the atmosphere, which is less efficient and may require more frequent refilling of the water supply. Boiler hot water systems do not actually boil water; they heat water to a point where it is hot enough to distribute throughout a space, but the water remains in a liquid state, unlike steam, which is produced in a different type of system. Regarding efficiency levels, many modern oil furnaces exceed the mid-70% range and can reach efficiencies into the 90% range, depending on the model and installation. Finally, gas furnaces typically do require a heat exchanger as part of their operation. The heat exchanger is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion gases to the air being heated without allowing these gases to mix with the air being circulated in the home. In summary, the nature of boiler systems can indeed be classified as either closed or open, making that statement accurate.