Have you wondered whether you have a boiler or furnace in your home?
Homeowners often ponder this question, trying to understand the how and why of their comfort indoors, whether they are too cold or too hot, but always too distant from their comfort zone!
Boilers are what the industry calls “wet heat”. This is basically a big boiling pot which produces hot water or steam which flows throughout the home by a system of pipes, pumps and controls. Heat is generated by gas, oil or electric which then warms the radiators, baseboards, radiant piping or hydro-air coil. A boiler installed in the 1990’s may still be running, but the efficiency and savings which may be gained through replacement is significant. Technology, as it relates to combustion and temperature control, improves as fast as high-tech tablets and smart phones!
Furnaces are what the industry calls “dry heat”. Furnaces are basically a big metal box which contains hot air which is blown through the home via a myriad of metal duct work. Heat is generated by gas, oil or electric which is then propelled by a blower through a series of dampers, registers and returns to each room or area of the home. Technology here is also changing at the same rate as our computers and phones.
There are distinct advantages to the boiler versus furnace choice, as well as a variety of reasons which compels choosing one over the other, based upon the particular application. Some people find boilers produce a more comfortable heat, as the heat dissipating into the room is more constant, given the fact that the metal mass of the radiator, baseboard or radiant piping holds the heat longer. Some people find furnaces more favorable when they wish to have heat and cool from the same ductwork. (Although hydro-air utilizes both principles of wet and dry heat.) The down-side here is that heat rises and cold air drops, so there is a trade off of performance.
Both boilers and furnaces can be zoned, although retrofitting systems to a home can be limited due to accessibility. Zoning is integral to efficient performance of a system. The ability to provide an ideal temperature in the most utilized space of the home, while keeping the temperature lower in less occupied and/or sleeping spaces is optimal for enjoying savings throughout the year. Whether you are upgrading to a high-efficiency system, planning to add and/or renovate part of your home, or eager to save on your heating (and cooling) expenses, call Woodacre HVAC today to discuss innovative ways to improve the comfort and health of your home.