If you have been checking into new and innovative forms of heat for your home and water needs you may have considered a hot water boiler.
For many years, these systems have been used in the United Kingdom and are now gaining interest in the United States.
Before you decide to replace your current system with a hot water boiler there are a few things to consider.
Permanence Are you planning to spend many years in your current home? People will often purchase a home with the intent of selling and upgrading in a few years time; if that describes you then a total replacement of your heating system may not be the best investment.
Initial installation costs are significantly higher than more traditional forced air units are.
You can recoup these costs through utility savings over time, however if you will be selling your home you may not recoup all costs.
Budget The best hot water boilers can save you money on energy, provided they are newer and installed correctly.
You will want to be sure you have enough room in your budget to accommodate the best system and professional installation.
Besides efficiency, you must also consider safety issues.
Geographical Location While everyone wants to do more to save on energy costs and protect the environment but if you live in a temperate climate you probably will not benefit from a hot water boiler system.
Florida, Louisiana, Arizona and California are examples of temperate areas that will probably not benefit from this type of heating system.
Conclusion Hot water boilers are a great concept; they offer higher efficiency and many other benefits over forced air units.
That does not mean however that they are right for everyone in every situation.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before investing in one of these heating systems.