Pros And Cons Of Boilers
Posted on: 8 March 2023
Boilers heat incoming water inside the unit and then send the heat to the water heater and to radiators throughout the home. Boilers are most popular in the American Northeast, but they make a great option in any climate throughout the country. Not sure if a boiler is the right option for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of boilers.
Pro: Clean Heat
Boilers create "clean heat" since they send heat through radiators that don't accumulate dust and debris like ductwork used by furnaces. Boilers contribute to healthy indoor air quality (IAQ), and they attract health-conscious families.
While boilers don't collect dust and debris in the air, they do emit carbon monoxide as they use gas to heat the water inside the unit. To ensure gas doesn't get into the air in your home, boilers must connect to the home's ventilation system or get dedicated ventilation. If a leak occurs in the ventilation, it can create a hazard.
Con: No Cooling
Boilers, like furnaces, only provide heat; they do not provide cooling. Homeowners will need to install air conditioning on top of the cost of installing the boiler. Heat pumps and central air conditioning are two popular options for homeowners who want a system that offers both heating and cooling.
Pro: Highly Efficient
Boilers tend to offer high efficiency ratings compared to other options (although heat pumps offer the best efficiency of all). Boiler efficiency is measured in annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). To ensure high efficiency, look for a boiler with an Energy Star sticker. Energy Star boilers must exceed federal efficiency regulations with a minimum AFUE of 90%, meaning lower utility bills each month.
Efficiency increases when homeowners create a zoned system, allowing the boiler to heat different sections of the house independently instead of heating the entire house when it's not necessary.
Con: Expensive Installation
Furnace installation costs between $1200 and $5000, while boiler installation costs between $5000 and $8000. The larger investment often deters homeowners, even though boilers come with benefits over furnaces.
Pro: Comfort
Boilers distribute air more evenly throughout a home than furnaces. Radiators cover a wide space throughout a room, with most rooms having radiators all around it. Furnaces, on the other hand, emit air out of one vent.
You deserve to be comfortable this winter. For optimal comfort, a boiler can be a great choice. The efficiency and clean air are just some additional benefits.
Contact a local HVAC service to learn more about heating systems like boilers.
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