Wood boilers or outdoor hydronic heaters were one of the first industrial age home heating systems which were developed. They were traditionally designed to work to with steam, but nowadays the modern wood-fired systems have to a great extent reduced the risk of super-heated steam explosions by using the hot water for the heating purposes.
Due to the rise in the price of traditional furnaces powered by gas, oil or electricity in the last decade, the popularity of outdoor hydronic heaters increased. So people in extreme winter have been forced to look out for more affordable and pocket-friendly methods. Hydronic heating systems are flexible, silent and very comfortable, it is also more cost-effective than running a central ducted heating system. But even more, compelling reason to choose hydronic heating is for its health benefits.
According to the reports of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 9 Australians has asthma, which means approximately 2.5 million people. It seems more and more people should have wood hydronic in Australia, as pollutants and moisture play a big role in making the asthma patients suffer. Gas heaters or fan-forced ducted systems spread plenty of nasty particles around the home. Like airborne dust particles, pollens and also produce water vapor which can encourage the growth of mold- these being another trigger for asthma sufferers.
While a hydronic system can help in keeping the household safe, there still are a plenty of additional ways to create an asthma-friendly home.
HOW DOES AN OUTDOOR HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEM WORK?
The structure of this system is simple, wood is loaded into a firebox which is surrounded by a “jacket” which heats up the water. Then the water is distributed to the home using insulated underground pipes. Inside the house, the hot water is connected with a water-to-air heat exchange unit like a radiator. If properly outfitted with water-to-water exchange system, then it also can be used to heat all of one’s domestic water which is used n washing clothes, cleaning the utensils, bathing, cooking or housekeeping. A wood hydronic system is a worthy choice for one who has quick and easy access to very not-so-expensive or free wood and who really wants to commit to the process of cutting, storing and loading all the cordwood fuel.
FEW BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEM
1.Hydronic heating is comfortable
Hydronic radiant heating is the most comfortable system in the market. There is no cold draft or hot attics or even cold basements with a radiant system, the heat is even everywhere.
2. Zoning
One has the option of zooming the temperature in their home and controlling it through the use of multiple zones saving their costs. But a forced air system won’t allow one to do this.
3. Healthy
A traditional old forced air system moves around dust and all sorts of allergens in one’s home. Those who have asthma will definitely benefit from a radiant system. A radiant heating home is a definitely a healthy home. As the hydronic heating systems heat one’s home with water, therefore, it’s a healthier environment.
4. In-floor heating
Imagine one having a luxury of having a warm floor, warm kitchen tiles and equally warm bathroom floor in the morning, it is very comforting. Once gone with in-floor heating system, it is unlikely one will ever go back to the forced air system.
5. Humidity
A hydronic system doesn’t dry one’s home. But a traditional forced air system dried out the air, especially in the winter.
6. Efficient
These systems are much more efficient than a forced air system. Any mid efficient boiler is more efficient than any high efficient furnace. Although the hydronic systems are more expensive to install upfront costs, the comfort and savings will save one for the long run. They are also very efficient as the water holds more heat than air does because as soon as air is heated it cools down rapidly, therefore, the furnace turns off and on all day.
7. Quiet
Enjoy the quietness of comfortable heating. There are no draft noises or sounds of units kicking or banging.
8. Versatile
This system is versatile and one has many options with a boiler and hydronic system unlike with a forced air system. One can zone their home, radiators, towel warmers, snowmelts and more.
9. Snow Melting
With the radiant heating system, one can add the snow melting or a heated driveway option.
10. Towel warmers and radiators
One can have the luxury of towel warmers in one’s bathroom when having a radiant system.
