If you’re looking into buying a new home or wanting to learn more about the possibilities around your own heating system, you might be wanting to learn more about boil heaters. Before you buy, repair, or replace, here are 10 things you need to consider about this alternative heating system.

“Boiling” Point

Contrary to the name, most boiling heaters today don’t actually boil water. It’s a term used back when there were only steam heaters on the market, which boiled water to generate heat.

Steam Heat

Boil heaters are either water or steam-powered. If you’re looking to differentiate between the two, a steam-based system will have one pipe coming from the radiator, while a water-based system will have two.

Water Waste?

Water-based heaters are a sealed system, allowing for water to be recycled frequently as it distributes its heat. Because of this, a boil heater can actually be more efficient than the average furnace and forced-air system.

Forgetting Forced-Air

Boil heaters have already won over many modern homes. They’re much quieter, and since the heat is carried through a water system, the effects last longer. That leaves your home cozier and quieter for everyone inside it.

Breathe Deep

Another problem with forced-air systems is that they can actually lower the air quality in the rooms they operate in. They work by blowing through a series of ducts, but in that process, they also push out whatever unhealthy particles might have gathered inside. This can be especially damaging for people with allergies or respiratory illnesses.

The Perfect Fit

There’s a chance that your home might not have the ductwork necessary to install a boil heater. Some homes, especially older ones, tend not to be built for that type of custom renovation, but there are systems on the market that fit inside of older duct systems and even ones that work without any ducts at all! 

Common Complications 

Boil heaters can have faults with their pumps or pressure issues that can prevent it from properly moving water and distributing heat. Luckily, this and other electrical issues can be detected early through regular maintenance.

Maintaining

Annual maintenance is required to make sure your boil heater is operating properly. In keeping up a consistent schedule, you allow a skilled third party to ensure your home has heat when it’s needed.

Long Life

A boil heater has fewer components than most other heaters, meaning that it accumulates less stress over time. Because of that, a properly cared for boil system will actually last much longer than a forced-air system.

Saying Goodbye

After around 20 years, assuming you’ve been keeping up with maintenance, your boil heater will likely start to become less efficient. It might rust or even leak, and when that happens, it’s best to consult an expert to see if you need a replacement.

Repairs and replacements aren’t something people tend to look forward to, but with the right help, you can make that transition into something even more efficient. You can keep your home warm, your wallet happy, and your mind clear from the most basic of worries.