Boiler Furnace?

Question

I asked this question once already, but I guess I didn't give enough info, so I am going to try this again. Bare with me because I honestly don't know anything about this, that is why I'm trying to get info on here. I am currently looking at buying a house that is heated with a boiler furnace. There are base board vents through out the house, and multiple thermostats to control the heating in the different "zones" of the house. I'm not sure if this also controls the hot water, or if there is a seperate hot water heater. My understanding is that there are lines that run along the base boards, hot water runs through them and some how heats the house?!?! Like I said, I really don't know, and I am just trying to get a better understanding of this system. ANY info on them would be much appriciated, such as cost to replace them, repair them, or service them. Common problems to watch out for, how they opperate, and if it would be better than a regular furnace.

I know to have it replaced with a regular furnace will cost some major money. And I also know that with this type of system, having central air installed will NEVER happen.

Answer 1

Your understanding of this system of heat is correct. This type of system is the more modern adaptation of the old style "cast iron heat" radiators you sometimes see in old structures.

Water is heated in a central boiler and is circulated throughout your baseboard 'radiators', providing warmth to the rooms. In a zoned system, there are 'faucets' which control the hot water flows to various sections of the house and its radiators, based upon heat demand sensed by the various thermostats in the house.

The major problems with this source of heat can be in a failed 'zone faucet', or the boiler finally giving out. Neither are known to be regular occurrences, but CAN occur over time.

Answer 2

the boiler is like a bank, it makes and stores heat (stored in water)

the pipes act as transports to the various branch offices (the zones in the house)

the boiler can be independant of the need in the house so that as more heat (or think of money is needed at a branch bank) the valves are opened and the water moves to that location.

some systems work by heating water and the water moves by convection to the area needed.

the heat is radiated out by convection also, and the water is hot as it has to give off more heat than is being absorbed by the walls, furniture and lost to airmovement into the house and by thermal changes in the room caused by windows or doors opening.

the heating with water is a tried and true system and works well, has few moving parts and is my preference to heating though the drawbacks to leaks is a hassell

Answer 3

Don't buy the house!!! My father owns a heating a cooling business and I helped replace a home such as the one you are considering to buy with a regular furnace. Major costs and house repairs!!!