Indoor Allergies? Consider Choosing A Boiler System To Heat Your New Home
Posted on: 13 May 2016
If you suffer from indoor allergies to mold spores, dust, or pet dander, you likely have noticed how much worse your symptoms get during the winter when your heat is on. This is not your imagination playing tricks on you. Forced air heating systems, which are found in most homes, like to kick up these allergens, making your symptoms worse. So if you're building a new home soon, you'll want to consider saying "no" to forced air heating – even though it's popular – and choosing boiler-style heating as well. Here's a closer look at boiler-style heating and what it entails.
What is boiler-style heating?
Boiler-style heating used to be very popular but has recently grown out of favor as forced-air furnaces have become less expensive. In this type of heating system, there is a boiler, often located in the basement. This boiler is like a big hot water tank. Powered by natural gas, propane, or even heating oil, it brings water up to a high temperature. Then, depending on the type of system, it either sends that water or steam created by that water up into a series of pipes and radiators throughout the home. The heat radiates out of these radiators, warming the air and the surfaces in your home.
Why is boiler-style heating such a good choice for people with indoor allergies?
Simply put, there's no blowing air. Allergens stay put, rather than being redistributed into the air every time your heat kicks on. This makes it easier to keep your home clean. There are no ducts to harbor allergens or re-contaminate your carpet and surfaces after you dust and vacuum. The water or steam stays in a closed system, so even if it does end up with some mold spores or allergens in it, you're not coming into contact with them.
Are there any disadvantages to boiler-style heating?
Boiler-style heating systems are more expensive than forced air systems. You'll pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a high-efficiency boiler (including installation) whereas a furnace typically runs between $2,000 and $3,500 including installation.
There's also the risk of water leaks with boilers. If a pipe or radiator cracks or breaks, you could end up with flooding and water damage. Having your boiler system inspected annually will reduce this risk, however.
If you're ready to finally be free of indoor allergy symptoms in the wintertime, speak to a heating contractor (such as Kangas Burner & Heating Service) to learn more about the pros and cons of boilers.
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