What is the primary purpose of a boiler?

The primary purpose of a boiler is to heat water or produce steam for heating or processes. Boilers are designed to convert fuel into thermal energy through the combustion process, which in turn heats water. The resulting steam can be used for various applications, such as providing heating for residential and commercial buildings or driving turbines in power generation.

Understanding the role of steam and hot water in heating systems is crucial, as it not only provides comfort but also serves as a key component in various industrial processes, including manufacturing and food processing. This versatility in application further solidifies the boiler's importance in both residential and industrial contexts.

While producing electricity or cooling processes are functions carried out by other types of equipment or systems, they do not represent the primary function of a boiler. Similarly, filtering impurities from water is a function more associated with water treatment systems rather than the operation of a boiler. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the essence of what boilers are fundamentally designed to do.