Boiler Basics for Colorado Homes: When a Boiler Beats a Furnace

If you go to a new home in Northern Colorado, you’ll typically see forced-air furnaces. In Old Town historic homes and the custom mountain homes along the foothills, boilers are the most popular choice. 

While boilers may seem like old-school technology, the reality is that they offer an exceptional comfort upgrade for modern homes. Furnaces provide fast, furious heat. In comparison, boilers deliver the steady warmth that luxury homes need. A boiler operates by heating water and running it silently through the home. Because they don’t dry out the air like a furnace does, boilers are often a better choice for dry climates.

Besides diving into the difference between boilers vs. furnaces in Fort Collins, we’ll also look at the best maintenance tips so that your boiler lasts as long as possible. Read on to learn more.

Boiler vs. Furnace: The Showdown

When comparing a boiler vs. a furnace in Fort Collins, there are a few key benefits and features that stand out.

The Furnace: The Sprinter

With a furnace, air is heated and blown through ducts. This allows the furnace to deliver fast, powerful heat to your rooms. However, this heating process can kick up dust and create drafts. It can also make dry Colorado air even drier, leading to potential respiratory problems.

For local homeowners, a furnace is generally a good heat source if you already have an air conditioner running on the same ducts. It is also ideal if you are operating on a lower budget or want instant heat.

The Boiler: The Marathon Runner

How a boiler works is by circulating hot water throughout your home in a network of in-floor tubing, pipes, and radiators. Like the sun, a boiler warms your rooms by radiating heat. 

Because of this, boilers are an excellent option if you struggle with allergies. These units don’t dry out the air like furnaces do, so they can help with wintertime dry skin. They are also ideal for heating older homes in Fort Collins because they don’t require any ductwork.

If you want to experience true luxury, boilers are the best choice. While everyone else tiptoes across frozen floors, you can enjoy warm flooring from in-floor tubing.

Why Boilers “Win” in Fort Collins

From preventing dry air to high-altitude efficiency, there are a few essential reasons why boilers are an excellent heating option in Fort Collins. Because boilers radiate heat and don’t move air, they don’t dehydrate your indoor air. In Colorado’s dry air and cold winters, this is a major benefit.

Condensing boilers are also known for being incredibly energy efficient. In fact, modern condensing boilers have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95% or higher. As a result, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency during Fort Collins’ long heating season.

There are many radiant floor heating benefits as well. When you get out of bed in the morning, you can enjoy the feeling of warmth underneath your feet. Boiler systems also offer an exceptional benefit for Colorado homeowners. They can heat your driveway and walkways, so you don’t have to shovel snow after a winter storm.

Maintenance: The Kettling Factor & Hard Water

If you’ve ever heard kettling noises, it’s likely due to hard water mineral buildup. Rumbling, banging, and similar boiler noises are known as kettling because they sound like a tea kettle boiling on a stove. This type of noise occurs when water is trapped underneath mineral deposits and boils into steam. 

The best way to deal with this issue is by scheduling boiler maintenance in Fort Collins. One of the professional technicians at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can flush and descale your boiler. By reducing mineral buildup, we can improve the efficiency of your boiler and prevent the heat exchanger from cracking.

DIY Checks for Homeowners: The DOs

Whether you’re dealing with Old Town Fort Collins plumbing or simply want to maximize your high-altitude efficiency, there are a few important maintenance tasks you should do throughout the year.

DO: Check the Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge should always be between 12 and 15 pounds per square inch (PSI) when the boiler is cool. If this figure dips below 12, you likely have a leak and need to schedule boiler repairs in Northern Colorado. A PSI above 30 is an immediate emergency because the relief valve might blow.

DO: Bleed the Radiators

Sometimes, you may notice that the top of your radiator is cold and the bottom is hot. When this happens, it is because there is air trapped in the radiator. 

To bleed the radiator, you must turn off the radiator and allow it to cool completely. Then, place a towel under the bleed valve and insert the radiator key. You’ll hear a hiss of air. Once water starts to leak out, you can turn the key clockwise to close the valve.

DO: Keep the Area Clear

To protect your heating system, you should never store boxes, paint cans, or other items next to the radiator. 

When To Call a Pro: The DON’Ts

While there are many tasks you can perform on your own, some maintenance and repairs need to be left to the experts. Whether you need emergency repairs or just have a question about radiant baseboards vs. cast iron radiators, you can give our team a call and get immediate help with your problem. For your safety, remember the following tips and best practices.

DON’T: Ignore Leaks 

While a small leak may not seem like a problem, these issues can quickly spiral out of control. Over time, a small drip can cause rust and destroy your entire unit.

DON’T: DIY the Gas Valve

If your pilot isn’t lighting or you can’t get the unit to fire up, never deal with it on your own. Gas and high voltage issues can be dangerous, so call one of our expert technicians for help.

DON’T: Forget the Glycol

While having snow-melt driveways in the foothills makes wintertime more comfortable and convenient, certain types of maintenance and care are necessary to keep your snow-melt system functioning. The antifreeze must be tested regularly. Otherwise, the pipes underneath your driveway can freeze and burst.

Prepare Your Home for Winter

From scheduling a high-efficiency boiler replacement to conducting an indoor air quality heating comparison, our team can help with all of your heating needs. While boilers are complex, the right care will ensure that they outlast any furnace. From high-tech condensing boilers to vintage systems from the 1920s, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help.

Ready to learn more about installing a boiler vs. a furnace in Fort Collins? Reach out to our team today.