I am very thankful that my home in Elgin, Illinois, is outfitted with a boiler heating system.
There are unique advantages with hydronic heating when compared to forced air heating.
Water heats up quicker than air and retains heat longer. It doesn’t cause concerns with insufficient humidity or blow contaminants into the air. With a furnace, hot air flows into the various rooms and immediately rises to the ceiling, creating unpleasant temperature fluctuations. The boiler is installed in the basement and linked to a system of pipes concealed beneath the floor. The pipes take up no living space, don’t limit the arrangement of furniture or detract from aesthetics. The heat originates at floor levels and is infused into the air, avoiding drafts and stratification. All of the objects positioned on the floor, such as the couch, loveseat and coffee table are warmed up and further radiate heat. The system operates quietly and further provides zone control. I have a thermostat in each room that allows independent settings. Because I’m not required to heat empty spaces to the ideal temperature, I save money on monthly utility bills. It’s very nice to adjust the thermostat to personal preferences and specific needs of the room. On those winter days and nights in Elgin, when the outdoor conditions are sub zero, I can walk barefoot across my heated floors and fel perfectly comfortable. The radiant floor system is one of the best features of the home. It considerably increases property value. Plus, the boiler is especially durable, energy efficient and requires very little maintenance.