The Ultimate Boiler Guide
Our chilly climate and cold winters in the Chicago area require homeowners throughout the region to install reliable heating systems in their homes. Among the most trusted and reliable, boilers and hydronic heating systems can be depended on to keep your home warm and comfortable regardless of how cold the temperature drops outside. At American Vintage Home, we’ve put together this guide to everything you need to know about boiler heating systems.
Benefits of Boiler Heating
Boilers have been heating homes in Chicagoland for generations. In fact, since the late 1700s, boilers connected to radiator systems have been used to heat homes throughout Europe and America. While the technologies have changed significantly over the years, the basic principles and benefits remain the same. If you’re considering installing a boiler in your home, you can enjoy:
- Energy efficiency: Boilers use less fuel to generate heat than furnaces. This makes them less costly and more ecologically friendly to operate.
- Faster heating: Boilers heat faster than furnaces because they use radiant heat to evenly distribute heat throughout the room and home. Moreover, once rooms are warm, they tend to stay warm longer, enhancing your overall comfort.
- Fewer repairs: Because there are few moving parts to a boiler, boilers require fewer repairs than gas or electric furnaces. This means the long-term cost of operation, maintenance, and repairs is far less costly.
- Better air quality: Boilers don’t circulate air, they circulate water through a closed system of pipes. This means they won’t stir up dust, dander, pollen, allergens, and other pollutants that forced air heating systems circulate through your home.
When you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a reliable boiler, call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 to discuss boiler installation options.
Types of Boilers
There are many types of boilers to consider for your home. The following are some of the most popular systems for Chicago-area homes.
- Natural gas boilers: Most boilers use natural gas or propane. Natural gas boilers are energy-efficient, deliver reliable performance, faster heating, and require little maintenance.
- Steam boilers: Steam boilers use a heat exchanger to heat and distribute pressurized steam within the home via a series of pipes and radiators. As the water cools, it condenses, returns to the boiler, and recirculates through the system.
- Condensing boilers: These increasingly popular systems are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. They use two heat exchangers; one is used to heat the water before distribution to the radiators, while the second heat exchanger is where the water is reheated and returned to the boiler.
- Electric boilers: Eco-friendly and energy-efficient, electric boilers are less expensive to install and maintain. However, because they rely on electricity to heat the water, they can cost more to operate.
- Oil boilers: Oil boilers are still around, but not as common as they once were. These systems burn heating oil rather than natural gas or propane to heat the water. While reliable, these are less energy-efficient and less eco-friendly than modern boiler systems.
Wondering which boiler is best for your home? Call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 to discuss your needs with our boiler specialists.
Signs You Need To Repair or Replace Your Boiler
If you already have a boiler in your home, then you are familiar with the many benefits that these systems offer. However, even the best-maintained units will need the occasional repairs. The following are indications that it’s time to repair or replace your current boiler:
- Noxious odors, including sulfur-like, burning, or musty odors
- Inconsistent heating capacity
- No hot water
- Diminished, unreliable performance
- Increasing repair frequency and/or cost
Is your boiler due for repairs or replacement? Call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 to schedule boiler services in Oak Park and throughout the North Shore area.
Why Choose American Vintage Home for Boiler Services?
At American Vintage Home, our boiler specialists will help you select and install the optimal boiler for your needs and desired comfort. We offer free, no-obligation estimates on installations, 24/7 emergency service, exceptional warranties, and more that make working with us an easy choice.
When you need boiler service in the North Shore of Chicago, reach out to the older home experts at American Vintage Home by calling (847) 999-4595.
