Boilers offer quiet, efficient heating, perfect for the cold winters in Cincinnati. Homes heated with boilers push hot water through radiators, in-floor radiant tubing, or baseboard units to heat every room in your home. It distributes heat evenly without the noise or drafts caused by forced air systems.

Boilers come in different configurations:

• 
  Fuel type - Boilers can use natural gas, propane or electricity to heat the water in the tank.
• Pilot light - Some propane or natural gas boilers have a continuous pilot light while others use an intermittant electronic ignition.
• Boiler configuration - Boilers can be free-standing or wall-mounted. Wall-mounted units are generally for apartments and very small homes. Some boilers also heat water for domestic use.
• Condensing or Standard - Condensing boilers takes escaping heat from the unit and uses it to preheat the water as it comes into the unit. This cuts down on fuel use. A standard system does not have this feature.

Four Factors to Consider When Buying a Boiler

1. Size selection - You want a unit big enough to keep up with your heating needs, but not too big to waste fuel. A heating professional will consider your house size, the Cincinnati climate, and how weather tight your home is in size determination.
2. Unit efficiency - Efficiency determines how much fuel the unit will use in winter. High-efficiency boilers have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating above 85 percent. A higher rating will cost more up front. However, the fuel savings over the unit's lifetime will often make up for the extra cost.
3. Ventilation - Some boilers vent through an existing chimney. If the venting is not adequate, you will need to install a system that is.
4. Warranty - Manufacturers often offer different warranties with different boilers. Compare similar units from different manufacturers to see the differences.

When replacing an older boiler system with a new one, you need to have a professional check your current system and size the new one. If you need assistance, contact JonLe Heating & Cooling. We have been serving the Greater Cincinnati area since 1959.

Image via Shutterstock.com