During Colorado winters, you need a functioning heater of some kind to stay not only comfortable but healthy too. To ensure you achieve those purposes, you make sure your home has a furnace, and you have professionals inspect that furnace regularly so it doesn’t fail when you least expect it. But did you know modern technology gives you other heater options in addition to furnaces?

Furnaces work well for just about everyone, but you might find that boilers make you more comfortable, depending on your preferences. Read below to learn more about boilers and how they work in comparison to furnaces.

Boilers Have Zero Flue Loss

Most heaters come with an AFUE rating, and the higher the rating, the higher the percentage of usable heat in your home. On the flipside, flue loss refers to the heat energy that gets lost in your ventilation or chimney. Boilers don’t need chimneys or ductwork, so they often heat your home more efficiently. They can have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

That being said, not all boilers have favorable ratings. Make sure you purchase your boiler from a quality manufacturer, and check the AFUE rating before you buy it.

Boilers Tend to Conserve Energy Better

A higher AFUE rating doesn’t just mean that your boiler creates more usable heat. That rating also means that your boiler uses energy more efficiently. Remember, boilers don’t need ductwork. They don’t rely on forced air to move heat throughout your home. Instead, they use steam, and the water ensures that the heating system conserves energy. You’ll save money on heating bills as a result.

Boilers Keep Your Home’s Air More Humid

As mentioned in the previous section, boilers use steam to conduct heat. By extension, boilers also keep the air in your home more humid. This humid air can ease breathing during the colder months—an important feature for people who suffer from respiratory infections and colds during this time. However, the added humidity also encourages mold growth, especially if you already live in a wet climate.

Because of these boiler side effects, don’t choose a boiler lightly. If you need more humid air, one of these heaters will serve you well. But if you have a sensitivity to mold, you might do better with a furnace.

Boilers Tend to Produce Less Noise

Boilers don’t need to blow air, especially if you use them in conjunction with a radiant heating system. Consequently, they won’t create as much noise, and they won’t disrupt your sleeping patterns at night or your concentration throughout the day.

Boilers Marry Well With Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant heating systems send hot water through pipes beneath your floor, leading to cozy toes and a more even and efficient heating system. You couldn’t have radiant heating without a boiler. But boilers can function without radiant heating. If you plan to add radiant heating as part of a future project, invest in a boiler now so you already have the beginnings of the system in place.

Boilers Help You Save Space—You Won’t Need a Separate Water Heater

When you have a furnace, you need a separate water heater. However, boilers can be both your heater and your water heater at once. This fact means that a boiler may serve you better if you have a smaller space.

Boilers Can Cost Much More Than Furnaces

Most of the time, boilers costs more than furnaces, which is why most homes come with a furnace instead. If you have a tight budget now, you might want to get a furnace instead. Modern furnaces are also energy efficient and often quiet, so you can find one that fits your needs if you can’t afford a boiler right away.

If you think a boiler fits your needs better than a furnace, call our family-owned HVAC company in Denver. They’ll help you find the best brands and the best configurations for your home.