When the two of us built our home, our fiance and I debated the multiple types of heating and cooling systems, but because of our location in the northeast, heating is particularly the priority, however the people I was with and I need a plan that can handle hot and cold temperatures well below zero yet operate efficiently. While central a/c might be nice, it’s not essential, and our requirements led us to hydronic heating, and a plan that uses water rather than air to move heat energy is especially scrub and quiet, and it doesn’t blow dust and other contaminants into the breathing air. There’s no HVAC duct to leaks, pollute the air or make noise… Rather than tepid air getting blowin in from vents and rising straight up to the ceiling, a hydronic plan radiates heat. There’s less temperature swing from floor to ceiling, and it’s a more gentle comfort. The plan 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 maintenance, 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 device taking up overpriced space or detracting from aesthetics in the living area. I entirely love having radiant floors. The heat is spread from corner to corner with no cold spots; Plus, the two of us have the beach house set up for zoned control, and each room features an independent temperature control that allows us to tailor the setting so the requirements, preference of occupancy. The people I was with and I save money by not heating empty rooms. Each kitchen accommodates personal choice for temperature level.