Should You Choose Forced-Air Or Hydronic Boiler Installation?

The United States is changing its ways slowly, and forced-air heating systems are becoming a thing of the past. More and more homeowners and new builders are choosing hydronic boiler installation. Less noise, dust, and even heating are just some of the benefits. But is hydronic the way to go? While it has its advantages over forced-air systems, it can also be expensive and logistically difficult to switch. Both systems can be equally effective and money-saving if you choose the right size, type, and model for your needs. Here is a comparison of the two types.

Hydronic

Although not very common in the United States, hydronic boiler installation is the top choice for most European homes. Rather than using air to heat the home, these warm up water that heats surfaces through the floor or by means of radiators. Gas is the most popular, but fuel and wood are also possible. You probably have many reasons to consider this type of installation in favor of other models. They are believed to save more money and energy and provide better heating balance as opposed to forced-air systems. Initially, it can be expensive to change systems, as they require copper pipes, which are considerably more costly than standard steel. The benefits of better heating, lower costs, and (since there is no airflow to worry about) the removal of allergens spread throughout the home, make it the increasingly popular choice for boiler installation in new houses.

Forced-Air

More people in the United States are familiar with this type of heating system. You turn on the thermostat and with a small humming you can feel hot air blasted out of the vents placed around the home. Forced-air boiler installation is losing favor for several reasons. They do come in a wide variety including gas, electric, hydronic coil, and heat pump, which is useful for helping you choose based on individual household usage and needs. All of the systems function in a similar matter, with the only difference being the method of heating the conductor coils. Once air is heated, it is then sent through ductwork where it is released through the vents. This type of installation is generally cheaper, however there will be some maintenance involved such as replacing the air filter regularly, and depending on your needs may or may not provide sufficient heating efficiency. If your home is already outfitted with the ductwork, unless you are willing to make a large investment it may not be worth your troubles to switch to hydronic. Likewise, if your home does not have the required ductwork already in place, you are also looking at an expensive process.

Whichever option you choose for your home, contact a professional for boiler installation, as it can be a dangerous process. Amateurs can potentially harm themselves as well as cause significant damage to their homes, and repairing problems can be more costly than getting it done right the first time. They may also be able to help suggest which type of heating system will be most suitable for you and your family’s needs.