For Your Home

Home Heating

Hydronic Systems

The Basics
A Hydronic System is a boiler that heats water and circulates the resulting hot water or steam to a heating device in each room. Older systems use steam and radiators to give off radiant heat while newer systems send hot water through piping in the floor or though baseboard units to produce both radiant and convection heat. Although some models are weatherized for outdoor installation, they are usually installed in a basement or utility room

How do they work?
Hydronic Systems have a gas boiler that creates steam or hot water which is circulated through the home through pipes or tubes. The higher-efficiency models, called condensing systems, extract more heat out of the combustion byproducts and require special piping and a drain. Some features are must-haves and others are add-on features that can enhance your heating comfort. A qualified contractor will assist you in making choices that best suit your lifestyle.

Shopping Tips & Considerations

  • Determine what size boiler you need for your home. Ask an HVAC contractor to perform a load calculation before you buy. Click here to find a qualified HVAC contractor in your area.
  • Decide on the heating requirements you prefer. Steam or hot water; space heating, process steam, humidification; Comfort Conventional Hydronic Systems; or Zoned heat.
  • Consider venting options. How you vent the boiler and how you bring in fresh combustion air are two key factors that influence burner selection.
  • Compare products, get several purchase and installation quotes and choose a qualified HVAC Contractor. Proper installation is critical. When installation is complete, ask your contractor to provide test results. Click here to find a qualified HVAC contractor in your area.
  • Compare warranties and service support. What is the availability and cost of service and maintenance? Does the warranty cover the equipment and the installation? With proper service, a hydronic system will last for many years.
  • Look for design-certified models tested to national standards by a nationally recognized laboratory.

To find out more about natural gas home heating systems, Request a Free Products for the Home Buyers Guide.  You may also visit our Online Video Library to get helpful tips on selecting the best natural gas home heating system for your home.

Interested in converting your home heating to natural gas?  Click here to find out how!