Is a Boiler Right for You?

There are many alternatives for meeting your heating needs. By answering each question below and reading the subsequent discussion you will gain direction in your decision about whether to purchase a boiler for your heating needs.

Do you plan to heat with hot water or forced air?

This is a primary factor in answering the question – is a boiler right for you? As its name implies, a boiler heats water. If you plan to heat with radiant or radiator heat, then a boiler may very well be the solution of choice for you.

Do you have an existing heating system?

If so, and if the existing system is hot water-based, then you probably do not want to go to the extra expense of running ductwork for a forced-air system. A boiler can most easily be included in an existing system, either replacing an existing boiler or being included as a supplemental boiler. Note that there are many possible configurations when installing a boiler. While our units come with all necessary controls for new installation, if you are replacing an existing boiler with one of our units, then there might be controls that are specific to your system that are built into your existing boiler and that will also have to be replaced if you are removing your old boiler.

Do you have a need for large quantities of hot water?

If so, then a boiler would meet this need very well. Examples of areas with such needs might be car washes, snow melting, or industrial/manufacturing processes.

Do you have a need for both heating and cooling?

If so, then a boiler might not be the best option for you. In this case, you probably only want to further consider a boiler if you have a need for large amounts of hot water.

Do you have a large heating requirement for heat that must be distributed to several different locations?

As an example, if you are heating a home, a swimming pool, a greenhouse, and/or melting snow, then a boiler would meet this combination of needs well because the hot water can easily be distributed to each of the areas where it is needed.

Do you live in a very cold area?

If so, then a solid fuel-powered heating option, such as a boiler, may be a better option than other heating alternatives such as a heat pump.

Do you have waste material that can serve as a fuel source?

If so, then a boiler may be a very cost-effective solution for you. Examples of waste materials that can serve as a fuel source are wood cut-offs/particles/chips and waste oil.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a boiler is generally somewhat higher than the cost of other heating hardware. The additional cost may be offset by a lower fuel cost than other options as well as a better comfort level if heating with radiant heat.

Our boilers can also be used in hot air systems with the addition of a hot-air exchanger.

To determine the amount of heat required in order to meet your heating needs, use our heat loss calculator.