As HVAC technology improves, people around the United States are turning to radiant heat. In general, radiant heat is renowned for providing comfortable heat and efficiently dispersing warmth in every crack and corner of a room. Boilers are especially popular throughout colder climates, such as those up north in Minnesota. First, however, it’s necessary to know that there are two main types of radiant heat systems: Steam and hot water boilers.
While both heating systems have recognizable similarities, there are also some crucial differences in how they function. Therefore, if you’re searching for a modern, effective boiler heating system, it’s essential to learn the inner workings of each one. This way, you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each radiant heating system. After all, if you’re making a several thousand dollar investment in your home, it’s always reasonable to ensure your decision is sound. Read on to learn more about the difference between steam and hot water boilers and which is best for your home.
Steam boilers
Steam boilers are a heating method that uses steam to distribute heat within the home. It uses the combustion of fuels in a pipe submerged in water to create a flame. This flame transfers heat to the water and creates steam, which then flows to radiators. From there, the radiators disperse heat throughout the surrounding cool air, thus heating the home.
There are two leading steam boiler systems: Water and fire tube boilers. Water tube boilers are engineered to move water through a large furnace by pipes, producing steam that exits the boiler. The second type, fire tube boilers, consists of flame-producing pipes within a large water tank. Both systems complete the same task but are designed in virtually opposite ways.
Hot water boilers
Hot water boilers, also known as hydronic heat boilers, are heating methods that use hot fluid to distribute heat within the home. Fuels like natural gas heat the water, and then pumps push the boiler water through pipes out of the boiler. The hot water disperses heat through radiators, air handlers, or radiant floor and wall systems. Unlike steam boilers, the water in a hydronic boiler doesn’t need to reach the boiling point. It only needs to heat enough to transfer heat efficiently to radiators. Distinct from steam boilers, there’s only one primary type of hydronic boiler. Typically, circulating pumps carry cold water to the boiler furnace through narrow pipes, where the fluid is heated and circulated out, only to cool and return to the boiler. This design is proven to be energy-efficient and eliminate heat loss.
The similarities between steam and hot water boilers
First, both methods use fuel to heat water to transfer heat. This characteristic makes both systems a solid choice because water is an excellent heat conductor compared to air in forced-air systems. The two systems cycle the same tank of water over a long period of time. This way, there’s no need to worry about water consumption and a high water bill. Instead, the boilers are occasionally flushed and topped off when the time comes.
Second, both systems use a series of tubes to dispense the water or steam. While this might seem obvious, this gives both systems an added advantage of comfortability. In most cases, these pipes are much quieter than vented systems. Plus, radiant heat is far more comfortable than forced-air heating, which can create drafts and cold pockets in a room.
The difference between steam and hot water boilers
In steam boiler systems, lots of energy is used up front to boil water to create steam. Then, none is used during distribution because vapor naturally moves throughout the pipes into the system. Hydronic heat boilers use less energy upfront because it only needs to heat the water below the boiling point. It then uses additional energy to push the boiler water throughout the home into pipes.
The installation cost and process are also different between the two. Hot water boilers are less expensive to install than steam boilers. However, due to the pressure required to make steam, the system needs to be built with a pressure-durable– thus more expensive– type of piping. Although this causes steam boilers to be more efficient.
Are steam boilers or hot water boilers better?
While there’s no exact answer for whether steam or hot water boilers are better, each system has its benefits over the other. HVAC technicians believe that hot water boilers are more efficient because they circulate the water using motorized pumps. This method allows the warmth to reach every crevice of the home, providing consistent heating in every room.
On the other hand, some people believe that steam boiler systems are better because they can be cheaper in the long run. While installation costs are higher than hydronic heat boilers, maintenance costs are minimal, and the system can last two to three times longer! With proper upkeep, steam boilers can last 20 to 30 years, saving you thousands of dollars in replacements and repairs.
While there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider, you won’t go wrong by investing in a boiler heating system. Whether you invest in a steam or water boiler, radiated heating is a great choice to heat your Minnesota home year-round. Both heating systems are energy-efficient and can keep your home warm for decades to come.
At Mike's Custom Mechanical, we install steam and hot water boilers with precision.
If you see a new boiler in the future, our trained technicians will assist you from start to finish. We’re proud to offer heating and cooling installation and boiler repair to Minneapolis. So if you’re looking to install a new steam or hydronic boiler in your home, our Twin Cities HVAC contractors will handle the job with ease. Call us at (763) 568-7148 to learn more about how our team can assist today.
