How Efficient Are Boilers for Home Heating?

The dependable, comfortable warmth of hydronic heating.

New England winters are no joke. When you’re facing an icy cold snap or a blustery nor’easter, you want to know that your home heating system is up to the task of keeping you and your family warm. Many of the households we serve in Bristol, Middlesex and Norfolk counties — especially older houses — rely on boiler systems — also called hydronic heating systems.

Every winter, the home comfort experts at TF Complete Heating & Cooling speak to many homeowners about whether boilers are efficient ways to heat a home and whether a different heating option is better.

How Does a Boiler Work?

All boilers heat water instead of air (like a furnace does), typically using an oil or gas burner. Steam boilers boil water to make steam, which is distributed through your home through radiators, baseboards and radiant floor systems.

Newer boilers generally circulate hot water through a home’s piping rather than steam. As a closed-loop system, a boiler doesn’t require constant water replacement, enhancing its efficiency. As the steam or hot water cools down and condenses, it returns to the boiler to continue the cycle.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Boiler System?

These are significant advantages to using a boiler instead of a “forced air” furnace system:

1. Even Cozy Heat — Boilers provide radiant heat, which is typically more consistent and evenly distributed. It’s also slightly humid, which makes your home feel extra comfy.
2. No Air Circulation — Since boilers don’t use forced air, they don’t circulate dust, allergens or other pollutants around your home.
3. Quiet Operations — Boiler systems don’t use fans to force hot air through ducts. So, they generally run quieter than furnaces.
4. Energy Efficiency — Boilers can typically produce heat using less fuel than furnaces.

There are also some drawbacks to boiler systems:

1. Boiler Installation — Installing a boiler is more time-consuming and labor-intensive. (But TF Complete Heating & Cooling is incredibly experienced and has the process down pat.)
2. Heat Only— Boilers solely provide heat and cannot cool your home. Furnaces also lack cooling capabilities, but they share a ductwork system with central A/C systems.
3. Slower Response to Thermostat Adjustments — Boilers generally take longer to adjust to changes in thermostat settings.
4. Leak Risks — Old or damaged boilers may leak water or other liquids, potentially leading to damage to the property.

When Should You Replace a Boiler?

Most boilers last around 15-20 years if they’re well-maintained, but you may have one that’s even older still doing the job. However, those older units aren’t as efficient as the newer models, meaning they use more fuel to keep your home warm. Besides age, if you’re noticing signs like corrosion, frequent breakdowns or costly repairs, it might be time to think about a replacement.

Should You Consider Converting to Another Kind of Heating?

We typically warn homeowners that changing from one type of heating option to another (i.e., converting from a boiler system to a forced air heating system or heat pump) will involve much more disruption and expense than upgrading your existing system to more efficient equipment. If you upgrade from an older boiler to a new high-efficiency model, you could shave off 20% or more from your annual heating costs — without needing to install ductwork or mount air handling units throughout your home.

Talk to the HVAC professionals at TF Complete Heating & Cooling about your heating upgrade option. We’ll help you stay Completely comfortable all winter long.