Hydronic boilers are used to heat a medium, usually water, in order to provide comfort
for either residential or commercial buildings. The boilers are flexible because the fluid that will be distributed throughout
the building can be heated using multiple methods. Natural gas is the preferred method if it is readily available. LPG (propane)
and fuel oil are just some other examples of the many ways to heat the medium. The boiler system includes piping, pumps, and
some form of distribution to heat the space. Radiators, baseboard, and fan coils are common examples of heat distribution.
The newest form of distribution is radiant floor heating, which runs tubing underneath the floor to provide total comfort.
Hydronic boilers are popular in North America, especially in the Roaring Fork and Vail
Valley's. Hydronic boilers started in Northern Europe because of their efficiency. They are an alternative to forced air
heating in many aspects. Advantage's of hydronic heating are the ability to zone areas and have multiple temperatures
of heat. Zoning areas allows for better control of temperatures because similar spaces in a building are kept at different
temperatures than others. Copper piping, although slightly more expensive to install will save money in the long run based
on copper retaining heat for a longer period of time. After the boiler shuts down, heat will continue to be emitted because
of this retained heat. The piping is also smaller than duct systems and is easily worked into smaller spaces so it can be
disguised and help keep the natural beauty of a home. It may be beneficial to your health because it doesn't spread dust,
mold, or toxins into your household like some forced-air heating systems. They may allow more humidity to be maintained in
conditioned spaces. Hydronic boilers come in all shapes, sizes and configurations that serve a multitude of applications.
Overall, hydronic boilers are an affordable option and may provide a more efficient system of heating.