An Extensive Guide to Boiler Heating Systems

All homes require heating and cooling systems to control the indoor living conditions. In colder regions, heating systems are generally more important than air conditioning, and property owners must evaluate their needs when deciding which type of heating system to install. One option to keep in mind is boiler systems, which continue to be popular for various reasons. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a new heating system.

What is a Boiler Heating System?

Boilers use hot water or steam to warm a house. The majority of modern boilers are fuelled by gas or electricity, but there are also oil-fired boilers in use. The fuel source selected for boiler heating systems will depend on availability and cost, so take time to determine which fuel would provide the most benefits. Typically speaking, people are moving away from coal and other dirty fuels and are opting to use biofuels like the ones found at paylessforoil.com, these are cleaner to burn and generally have a better level of efficiency, especially when used with a modern boiler system.

Boiler heating systems use a central boiler to heat water or generate steam and then move the water or steam through a system of pipes connected to radiators located throughout the home. In many newer homes, radiant floor systems are replacing traditional radiators, as they improve heat distribution. However, countless properties rely on different types of radiators to heat individual areas.

The heated water or steam cools as it passes through radiators and is returned to the boiler to be reheated. Since the system is self-contained, the same water is used over and over rather than being wasted. Newer boilers are considerably more efficient than their predecessors, so homeowners are always encouraged to discuss their needs and determine if a new boiler makes sense.

Why Homeowners Love Boiler Heating Systems

One reason homeowners praise their boiler heating systems is the comfort level provided. Boiler heating systems generally provide even heat throughout a home, which means rooms are warmed evenly and don’t experience the drafts forced-air heating systems create. In homes where radiant floor heating is installed, residents can walk barefooted through their homes without their feet getting cold, regardless of the weather conditions.

Boilers also require a minimum of servicing. While routine maintenance is always recommended, newer systems are reliable and rarely suffer significant repair issues. The systems are quiet, unlike their forced-air cousins, which means people sensitive to noise are not bothered by boilers as they operate. While those may seem like small advantages, remember they’re cumulative, which means residents stay comfortable without having to deal with irritations common with other heating options.

Boilers also allow individual portions of the home to have their own heating zones. Occupants can turn the heat up or down in specific rooms or areas, which is a huge advantage when no one will use some rooms during different hours. That keeps people comfortable and reduces heating costs. Those are important considerations when heating costs seem to be rising every year.

Another advantage of boiler heating systems is enhanced indoor air quality. Forced air systems constantly circulate contaminants throughout a home, which can contribute to physical discomfort and respiratory issues. While quality filters remove many contaminants, the constant air movement contributes to dust and other contaminants remaining airborne. That’s not an issue with boiler heating systems, as cycling air through a furnace isn’t necessary.

In addition, forced air heating systems dry out the air in a home, which creates uncomfortable conditions that lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and damage to furniture and other items in a home. Again, users of forced air systems can mitigate dry air to some extent, but boilers avoid the issue, as the air isn’t pushed through a furnace to heat it.

Boiler systems have another advantage most people don’t consider: they don’t suffer the heat loss commonly seen when ducts are used. Leaks may not be a major issue with newer duct systems, but most ducts develop leaks as they age and suffer damage. Boiler systems are tighter and far less susceptible to leaks.

Downsides to Consider

No system is perfect, and that includes boiler heating systems. Installing the plumbing system for a boiler heating system is complicated and will cost more than installing a typical forced-air heating system. While the issues involved are relatively easy to deal with during new construction, retrofitting an older home will generally prove difficult.

However, radiant floors are commonly installed in older homes during remodeling. While the project will still be relatively expensive, the end result will be worth the effort and expense.

Older systems also tend to require repairs frequently to keep them operating properly. That’s a major issue for owners of older homes, as no one wants to deal with boiler repairs during cold winter weather. However, newer boilers are smaller, easier to maintain, and generally require fewer repairs, so replacing an aging boiler with a newer option is often recommended.

Another significant issue for some people is that there is no ductwork available for air conditioning. In the past, that was a major drawback, but many property owners are overcoming the issue by installing split and mini-split systems to take care of their air conditioning needs. That solution is usually preferred to window air conditioners that must be removed every fall.

Choose a Trusted HVAC Expert to Evaluate Your Home and Offer Heating Solutions

When weighing the pros and cons of heating systems, take advantage of an HVAC expert’s knowledge and experience. Those experts will carefully review the home, current systems, and the owner’s preferences to determine whether a boiler heating system makes sense. They’ll also explain the different types of boiler systems so homeowners have the information needed to make an educated buying decision.

If a boiler is the preferred option, the HVAC experts will install the system, test it to ensure no issues will keep it from operating, and explain how to operate the unit. While the installation process may be complicated if additional plumbing is required, the installation team will do everything possible to complete the process quickly.

At that point, take the time to discuss future maintenance needs with the HVAC expert. They’ll recommend routine maintenance and suggest scheduling annual visits to ensure the system is fully operational when the cold weather arrives.