When Merts Heating & Air Conditioning is asked about the best choice for heating Cook County, IL homes we always have to answer honestly that it depends on the situation. Is it for a new home or a replacement system? Is there natural gas service? What sort of upfront costs are you comfortable with? How important is efficiency? Depending on the answers to those questions Merts believes high-efficiency boilers are often the ideal heating choice. Instead of burning fuel to heat the air like a forced air system, a boiler heats water then circulates the water through a series of radiators or plastic tubing installed under the floors of your home. The hot water radiates heat throughout the home hence the term radiant heat.

Inherent efficiency advantage

Heating water is much more energy efficient than heating air. It’s simple science really. Hot water loses heat at a much slower rate than air does. Additionally, the newest generation of boilers are very efficient at burning fuel with ratings as high as 98.5%, meaning only one-and-a-half percent of the heat created goes to waste. Merts believes in educating you with all the information you need to make the right decision on a new boiler for your home in Matteson, Park Forest, Chicago Heights, Glenwood, or Lynwood, IL. 

Understanding the terms

All boilers are either condensing or non-condensing. When possible, you should always choose a condensing type and here’s why. It uses waste heat to preheat cold water as it enters the system which makes them much more energy efficient. Non-condensing boilers are 80% to 88% efficient. Condensing types have an AFUE rating of more than 88% and can be as high as the 98.5% mentioned earlier.

Deciding type of fuel

In many cases this decision is made for you depending on your situation and/or location in Chicagoland.

• Natural gas—This is typically the best choice if it’s available. It’s generally the cheapest fuel and the price is pretty stable, or it can be locked in for a period of time if you sign a contract. The problem is many rural areas do not have natural gas service available.
• Propane—This can be the best choice if gas is not available. Propane is generally more expensive, and the price can be volatile. It also requires a storage tank and on site deliveries.
• Oil-fired—These boilers are common in areas without natural gas service. You will need to have the storage tank filled regularly and the price can rise and fall during the heating season. Some models of boilers are able to burn biodiesel oil which is good for the environment.
• Electric—You can install electric boilers but in most parts of the country electricity is much more expensive than other fuels.

Boilers can fill other roles

In some cases, the boiler can also supply hot water for your Cook County, IL home, replacing your existing water heater. Boilers are also used for radiant snow and ice melting systems under driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Merts Heating & Air Conditioning features a full line of high-efficiency boilers so call now to schedule your no-obligation estimate to find out which one is best for your situation.