When the two of us built our home, our husband and I debated the numerous types of heating and cooling systems, and because of our location in the northeast, heating is absolutely the priority, however all of us need a system that can handle temperatures well below zero yet operate efficiently, however while central air conditioner might be nice, it’s not essential.
Our requirements led us to hydronic heating.
A system that uses water rather than air to transport heat energy is especially scrub and quiet, it doesn’t blow dust and other contaminants into the breathing air. There’s no ductwork to leaks, pollute the air or make noise, but rather than boiling air getting blowin in from vents and rising straight up to the ceiling, a hydronic system radiates heat. There’s less temperature change from floor to ceiling, and it’s a more gentle comfort. The system starts with a boiler installed in the basement. Boilers are known for being exceptionally reliable. Because there’s few moving parts, there’s not a lot that can go wrong. With nothing more than annual professional service, the two of us can expect the boiler to last for decades. The boiler takes care of heating up the water and sending it through a looping network of pipes hidden beneath the floor. There is no ugly equipment taking up expensive space or detracting from aesthetics in the living area. I entirely love having radiant heated floors. The heat is spread from corner to corner with no cold spots, and plus, the two of us have the new home set up for zoned control, then each room features an independent thermostat that allows us to tailor the setting so the requirements, preference of occupancy. All of us save cash by not heating empty rooms. Each dining room accommodates personal choice for temperature level.