When we built our home, my husband and I debated the various types of heating and cooling systems.
Because of our location in the northeast, heating is definitely the priority.
We need a system that can handle temperatures well below zero yet operate efficiently. While central air conditioning might be nice, it’s not essential. Our requirements led us to hydronic heating. A system that uses water rather than air to move heat energy is especially clean 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. Rather than hot air getting blowin in from vents and rising straight up to the ceiling, a hydronic system radiates heat. There’s less temperature fluctuation 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 maintenance, we 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 valuable space or detracting from aesthetics in the living area. I absolutely love having heated floors. The heat is spread from corner to corner with no cold spots. Plus, we have the house set up for zoned control. Each room features an independent thermostat that allows us to tailor the setting so the requirements, preference of occupancy. We save money by not heating empty rooms. Each bedroom accommodates personal choice for temperature level.