Choosing a Residential Boiler System — Which is Best?

From how to choose a boiler for your home to how different boiler systems affect your heating costs, we’re here to guide you to worry-free warmth. After all, a happy home is a warm home.

Why bother with boilers?

Did you know that heating and cooling can account for half of your annual energy costs? That’s right, keeping comfy isn’t cheap. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends over $2,000 annually on energy bills, with heating accounting for a significant portion. But fear not. Choosing the right boiler for your home can help you save some serious dough while keeping Jack Frost at bay.

Residential boiler systems work differently from forced-air systems like furnaces. Instead of heating air and blowing it through ducts, boilers heat water and circulate it through pipes to radiators or radiant floor systems. This method of heat distribution often results in more consistent warmth and can be more energy-efficient in many cases.

Boiler basics: What’s your type?

Boilers come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s break down the most common types as a part of our guide to choosing a new boiler:

1. Gas-fired boilers

Gas-fired boilers are some of the most efficient steam boilers on the market. But not every neighborhood has access to natural gas, so check your options before you fall in love. If natural gas is available in your area, it's often the most cost-effective fuel choice due to its relatively low price and high efficiency.

2. Oil-fired boilers

When natural gas plays hard to get, oil-fired boilers step up to the plate. If you buy an oil-fired boiler, you’ll need to have heating oil regularly delivered to your home. This heating oil must also be stored in tanks until needed. Just keep in mind that your wallet might feel the pinch when oil prices rise and impact your heating costs from year to year.

3. Electric boilers

Electric boilers are super efficient, as they don't lose heat through venting. They're also compact, quiet, and don't produce emissions in your home. However, they might not be the most budget-friendly option. The operating costs of electric boilers can be higher in regions with expensive electricity rates, so it's essential to consider both the upfront cost and long-term operating expenses.

4. Residential steam boilers 

While less common in modern homes, the residential steam boiler still has its place, especially in older residences. These systems heat water until it turns to steam, which then rises through pipes to radiators throughout the home. When considering how to choose a boiler for your home, remember that steam boilers can be efficient and effective, but they often require more maintenance than hot water boilers.

How to choose the right boiler for your home

When deciding what boiler is best for your home, consider the following factors: the boiler's size, venting requirements, and energy efficiency. This guide to choosing a new boiler will help you navigate these important considerations.

Size

Want to save on heating costs? Choosing the right boiler for your home involves more than just crunching energy bill numbers. It's about finding the perfect balance between heating capacity and efficiency. Too small, and you’ll be left shivering. Too big, and you’ll be burning money.

Boiler capacity is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. To estimate BTU requirements for your home's interior spaces, use the following baselines for your calculations:

• Cold climates: Budget 50 BTU per square foot
• Moderate climates: Aim for 35 BTU per square foot
• Warm and hot climates: 20 BTU per square foot should do the trick

So, how much is a boiler for a 2,000-square-foot house? Let’s take a look:

• In a cold climate: 2000 sq ft x 50 BTU = 100,000 BTU boiler
• In a moderate climate: 2000 sq ft x 35 BTU = 70,000 BTU boiler
• In a warm climate: 2000 sq ft x 20 BTU = 40,000 BTU boiler

Remember, these are ballpark figures. For a perfect fit, consult with a Pro who can assess your home's unique needs.

Venting

Residential boilers must be vented. If you have chimney access in a closed-in area of your home, you can locate your boiler there. However, if the boiler requires its own forced-air venting system, you will need to locate it in an open area of your home so it can gather air for venting purposes. Understanding venting requirements is crucial when learning how to choose a boiler for your home.

Energy efficiency

An EnergyStar rating on your boiler means it meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and is therefore an energy-efficient boiler, saving you money. Look for an oil boiler with at least an 80 percent rating or a gas boiler that runs at 89 to 98 percent efficiency. Boilers that use electricity normally run at 100 percent efficiency because they lose no energy to venting. Electric boilers are an especially attractive option if you live in a region where electricity costs are low. Energy efficiency is a key factor in determining the best residential boilers for your needs.

What is a high-efficiency boiler?

In a standard boiler, some of the heat required to boil water and produce steam is lost as the fuel is burned and converted to energy. Modern, high-efficiency boilers have been designed to trap any escaping heat and direct it back into the boiler system itself.

Why is a high-efficiency rating important?

Low-efficiency boilers tend to experience high levels of heat loss, requiring more fuel to do the work of an efficient system. Most boilers that are over 10 years old have efficiency ratings of just 50 to 70 percent. That means between 30 and 50 percent of the fuel used to heat your house is wasted. Besides saving on fuel costs, a high-efficiency boiler is also more environmentally friendly because it uses less fuel and creates less pollution.

High-efficiency vs. Standard-efficiency

The Federal Trade Commission requires that new boilers display their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating so that consumers can adequately compare units. These boiler ratings are:

• Old, low-efficiency boilers are rated between 56 and 70 percent AFUE.
• New, minimum-efficiency standard boilers are rated at approximately 78 percent AFUE.
• New, mid-efficiency boilers are rated between 80 and 83 percent AFUE.
• New, high-efficiency boilers are rated between 90 and 98 percent AFUE.

Understanding these ratings is crucial when determining how to choose a boiler for your home that meets your efficiency needs.

Breakdowns have you feeling boiled? Don’t Worry, Be Warranty. 

Even the best residential boilers need a little TLC. That’s where American Home Shield comes in. We’ve got your back with our comprehensive home warranty plans, including coverage for heating systems.

Why stress about unexpected breakdowns when you can be worry-free? Check out our heating system coverage and HVAC upgrade program to keep your home happy and warm.

Ready to boost your boiler know-how even further? Our residential boiler maintenance guide is packed with tips to keep your system running smoothly.

Remember, a well-chosen and well-maintained boiler is your ticket to worry-free warmth. So go ahead, toast that toasty home of yours. With American Home Shield, you can focus on living your best life while we take care of covered breakdowns. Now that's something to feel good about!

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.