What is hydronic heating and how does it work?

Hydronic heating is a central heating system that uses a boiler to heat water, which is then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor systems throughout your home. The heat emitters transfer warmth from the hot water to the air in each room. Hydronic systems are highly efficient and can be powered by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity.

What are the advantages of hydronic heating over forced-air systems?

Hydronic heating offers several advantages: higher energy efficiency (water transfers heat better than air), improved air quality (no dust or allergens circulating through ducts), more consistent and even heat distribution, zone control for different areas of your home, quiet operation with no fan noise, and compatibility with renewable energy sources like solar thermal and geothermal systems.

What can hydronic heating be used for besides home heating?

Beyond central heating, hydronic systems can provide domestic hot water for showers and sinks, heat swimming pools and hot tubs, power radiant floor heating for comfortable warm floors, and even melt snow and ice on driveways and sidewalks. The flexibility of hydronic heating makes it suitable for many applications in residential and commercial properties.

What is radiant floor heating?

Radiant floor heating is a hydronic heating application where hot water pipes are installed beneath your flooring. The warm water heats the floor surface, which then radiates heat upward into the room. This provides exceptionally comfortable, even heating with warm floors underfoot. Radiant floor heating is energy efficient, invisible, silent, and eliminates cold spots common with forced-air systems.

How long do boilers last and when should they be replaced?

A well-maintained boiler typically lasts 15-30 years, depending on the type and quality. Signs your boiler may need replacement include: frequent repairs, rising energy bills, uneven heating, strange noises, visible corrosion or leaks, and if it uses outdated technology. Modern high-efficiency boilers can significantly reduce heating costs and provide more reliable comfort.

Boilers & Hydronic Heating - Sharpe Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning

Boiler and hydronic heating system installation

Boilers &
Hydronic Heating

What is Hydronic Heating?

A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications, including water heating, central heating, boiler-based power generation, cooking, and sanitation.

Hydronic heating is a type of central heating system that uses a boiler to heat water, which is then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators or other heat emitters in the rooms of a building. The radiators or heat emitters then transfer the heat from the hot water to the air in the room, warming the space. Hydronic heating systems are highly efficient and can be powered by a variety of fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity.

Hydronic heating is used to provide central heating for buildings such as homes, apartment complexes, offices, and other structures. It is used in such applications as radiant floor systems, located in various rooms of the building. This transfer of heat warms the air in the rooms, providing a comfortable living or working environment.

Hydronic heating can also be used for other purposes such as providing hot water for showers, sinks, and other fixtures, and even to heat swimming pools or provide snow and ice melting in driveways and sidewalks.

The efficiency and flexibility of hydronic heating make it a popular choice for many types of uses.

What are the advantages of hydronic heating over traditional forced-air systems?

Hydronic heating systems have several advantages over traditional forced-air systems:

Increased energy efficiency: Hydronic systems transfer heat through water, which has a higher heat capacity than air. This means that less energy is required to heat a space to a certain temperature.
Improved air quality: Hydronic systems do not circulate air through ducts, which can reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating in the air.
Greater comfort: Hydronic systems can provide more consistent and evenly distributed heat, resulting in a more comfortable living environment.
Flexibility: Hydronic systems can be designed to heat multiple zones in a building, allowing for individual temperature control in different areas.

Quiet operation: Hydronic systems operate quietly, as they do not rely on a fan to circulate the heat.
Compatibility with renewable energy sources: Hydronic systems can be powered by a variety of energy sources, including solar thermal panels, geothermal heat pumps and boilers fueled by biomass.

Contact Sharpe Advantage to discuss the use of hydronic heating in your home

Heating Service Areas

We provide heating services throughout Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area:

Oshawa – Furnace and heating services
Whitby – Complete HVAC services
Richmond Hill – Heating specialists
Toronto & GTA – Full service area

Call 905-441-5466 for heating service in your area.