What is a Hydronic Boiler?

A Hydronic Boiler is an enclosed tank where water, gas or electric is stored to produce heat. Hydronic Systems can work well with three types, Steam, Hot Water and Chilled Water. 

Hydronic boilers can be used in both a residential home and a commercial building, Hydronic Heating is used in central heating applications. Hydronic Boilers are mostly used with a single piping system that allows the water to run through the pipes before turning it over to steam.

This type of boiler is used in conjunction with Baseboard heating, Radiators and Radiant Heating. Hydronic Boiler Systems can run on any means of fuel such as gas, wood and oil.

But today with the economy the way it is the most common use with these boilers is Natural Gas. It is cleaner and it will save the homeowner money in the heating months.

The gas will run through the enclosed tank and it will be circulated through the system to produce heat. On most of the Hydronic Boilers you will see that there are what is called a Condensing Boiler installed. These boilers are an important reason why the efficiency on the Hydronic Boilers is so high.

One important rating that you need to look for when choosing your boiler is the BTU rating. BTU’s describe the amount of energy that the boiler can produce. You may have seen the term when looking at air conditioners, stoves and even gas grills.

A great reason for choosing a Hydronic Boiler over the rest is that they are more efficient and they will save you money, especially in this economy where everyone is looking to save money wherever they can. One bonus feature of the Hydronic Boiler is they are more compact than other boiler. The reason for that is because they are made of baseboard copper pipes and aluminum fins. These boilers will take up less room in the basement.

One of the most important components in the Hydronic Boiler System is the pump. With a properly maintained pump the boiler will not run. Other vital parts to the Hydronic Boiler is the Safety Valve, this valve is your protection against a boiler blow up. If this valve isn’t working properly you may have a big problem on your hands.

Another important part of the boiler system is the Low Water Cut Off or the Float Switch. With boilers running on water, a certain amount of water must be kept at a certain level. Without water the boiler will not work. So it is important to make sure that the water level is at proper working levels at all times. It would be a good idea to have the boiler serviced at the start of heating season, that way you will not have any problems once the long winter months are here.

Another great selling point of these boilers is that they provide fewer ups and downs in temperatures than other systems. They release heat better and over a longer period of time. This means that you won’t have to keep cranking up the heat to stay warm.

Hydronic Boilers also provide health benefits as well. These boiler systems do not try out the air. Many people in the winter months get very dry skin when the heat starts to come on. But with this system you will see a lot less. You will also see less of allergies because this system offers less dust, allergens and even mold into the air.