Hydronic Heating 101
A hydronic system consists of a boiler, a pump, and baseboards connected by water piping. The boiler heats water to temperatures between 120F and 210F, which is then pumped through piping, either in baseboards located around the outer perimeter of the home or through in-floor radiant systems, to heat a home or commercial space.
Radiant systems are special composite plastic piping systems that are embedded in the floor. The energy from the heated water in the pipes radiates to the surrounding environment, warming floors, furniture and anyone in the room.
Why hydronics?
- Peak and dependable efficiency is achieved through radiant heat rather than forced air systems where heat is lost through air transfer.
- Almost endless hot water can be supplied from the boiler, all year round, with an indirect fired water heater.
- Hydronic heating permits the installation of a snow-melt system installed under sidewalks and driveways. Hot water is circulated and snow is melted as fast as it falls.
- Hydronic systems can be easily adaptable to heating swimming pools, greenhouses and separate garages.
- Hydronic heating systems are cleaner because they do not create or distribute dust, dirt or pollen.
- Hydronic systems are quieter than warm air furnaces because they do not require sheet metal heating ducts or a blower. In order to have air conditioning, ducts will be necessary only in those areas of your home that require them.
- Hydronic systems are more durable and will ordinarily serve 25 years or more, both because of the material used and the small number of moving parts. A warm air furnace, which has far more moving parts and requires frequent changing of air filters, will normally last 10 to 15 years.