How to Choose a Boiler for Your Home

With winter reaching low temperatures, heating systems are essential to survive the cold months. But what’s the best boiler for homes in Vancouver?  

The answer isn’t so simple. That’s because it depends on multiple factors, including house size, number of occupants, fuel sources, and heating preferences. In other words, the type of boiler system depends on your unique needs.  

So, to help you find the perfect Vancouver boiler system for your needs, we’ll list the pros and cons of each one.

4 Common Types of Boilers in Vancouver

From boilers that run on gas to the ones that rely on electricity—there are multiple boilers available today. But these are the 4 most common types of BC boiler systems:

1. Natural gas boiler
2. Oil boiler
3. Electric boiler
4. Combination boiler  

Unless you’re a boiler expert, you probably have no idea what each of these boiler types do. Not to worry, we’ll explain each of them in the next section.

The 4 Best Residential Boilers Systems in BC

Is your old boiler showing signs of disrepair? But you haven’t bought a new one in 10 years, so you don’t know what to choose... After all, each type of boiler has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s why it’s critical to weigh each one carefully before scheduling a boiler installation.

So, here is everything you must know when choosing a boiler system.

#1 – Natural Gas Boiler

Natural gas boilers are one of the most common residential boiler systems because they are highly efficient. In fact, Energy Star requires them to have 90% or higher annual fuel efficiency. However, natural gas boilers also have drawbacks, such as the possibility of gas leakages.  

Pros of a Natural Gas Boiler

• It requires less space than other boilers as you don’t need a storage tank.
• It doesn’t emit foul odours.
• It’s energy efficient.

Cons of a Natural Gas Boiler

• You can only have a natural gas boiler if you’re close to a gas source.
• You need to have your boiler checked more regularly than others to prevent leakages.
• There's the danger of a gas leak that can lead to severe health problems.

#2 – Oil Boiler

If you don’t have a gas source near your home, an oil boiler can be an alternative. With it, you can simply have oil delivered to your home regularly whenever you need to use your boiler. But because you’re relying on oil, the price of running your boiler system depends on the oil market. As such, it can become expensive when oil prices skyrocket.

Pros of an Oil Boiler

• You don’t have to live near a gas source.
• It doesn't need to connect to an electrical grid.
• It’s cheaper to run than electric boilers.

Cons of an Oil Boiler

• The price of oil is unstable.
• It requires enough space for an oil tank.
• You have to ensure that you have enough oil to last all winter.

#3 – Electric Boiler

Since electric boilers run on electricity, anyone connected to a power grid can have an electric boiler. As such, you don’t have to be near a gas source or constantly re-supply your boiler with oil. However, electric boilers can result in high energy bills, so running them can be expensive.  

Pros of an Electric Boiler

• It’s more energy efficient than other boilers.
• It’s generally safer since you don’t have to worry about gas or oil leaks, explosions, and fire risks.  
• It’s compact and less invasive to your home as you don’t need to attach a tank, gas pipe, or plumbing system.  
• It's more accessible since you don’t have to be near a gas source or order fuel.

Cons of an Electric Boiler

• It can increase your energy bills.
• It won’t work when there’s a power outage.
• The heating temperature is lower than gas and oil boilers.

#4 – Combination Boiler

Also known as combi-boiler, combination boilers act both as a central heating system and a water heater. As such, they’re very practical HVAC systems as you have the function of 2 appliances in one. But that also means you won't have hot water when your combi-boiler breaks down.

Pros of a Combination Boiler

• You can enjoy the convenience of having a water heater and boiler in one appliance.
• It can help you qualify for a boiler rebate in BC.  
• It’s very compact and requires little space.
• It heats water in an instant, so it’s far more energy efficient.

Cons of a Combination Boiler

• It heats water on demand, so it’s not ideal for a large house with many occupants.  
• Homeowners lose the function of both the water heater and boiler when it breaks.  
• It requires strong water pressure and can be affected by other activities at home that also use water.

How to Choose a Boiler? It’s Up to You and Your Home

Because every home is different, there’s no easy way to choose the best boiler for homes. Instead, you must consider multiple factors, like boiler installation, availability of fuel sources, and the heating needs of you and your family. Use this guide to find the one that meets all your needs.  

You can also consult with a reliable HVAC technician who will help you weigh all the factors and find the best boiler system for you.

Looking for an HVAC professional?

At Mom’s Heating & Cooling, we only do premium HVAC installations and work with top-skilled technicians. Reach out today so you can feel comfortable and safe in your home.

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