gas vs. electric and other types of boilers

The type of fuel used by boilers is an important element when considering the choice.

Steam vs. water boilers

Steam domestic boilers usually operate at a higher temperature than hot water boilers and are less efficient - though high-efficiency versions of steam boilers are now currently available.

Prefer a water boiler; upgrading an ancient steam boiler with a water boiler is often a good option, but you should consider the installation costs. They can eliminate the advantages of the water boiler.

Electric boilers

Electric boilers are almost 100% efficient in converting power to heat. But… electric boilers are far from being carbon neutral: since electricity is typically of fossil origin, electric boilers aren't truly environmentally-friendly - unless the electricity is produced by solar modules...

The typical high cost of electricity in most countries and states also make electric boilers an uneconomical solution for central heating and large uses. The initial investment is low, but the running costs are too high.

For electric heating appliances, consider an high efficient heat-pump system, including the geothermal solution.

Gas boilers

If you aren’t equipped with a natural gas outlet, it can be an expensive idea to invest in an high-efficient gas boiler… Otherwise, in most states, natural gas is a good option, largely preferable to other electric heating appliances.

Obviously, gas boilers are in direct competition with gas furnaces and other alternatives.

Propane

In some rural areas without natural gas service, propane is surely a good alternative to electric boilers. Propane is usually cheaper than electricity. Only efficient electric heat pumps can be an alternative to consider in the electric segment.

Oil boilers

Prefer - for environmental and economical reasons - gas boilers to oil ones.

Oil-fired boilers should only be considered for regions with limited access to natural gas. Prefer, in this case, models using heating oil blended with biodiesel. Biodiesel blends produce less pollution than pure heating oil and are economical.

Also prefer oil boilers with high efficiency ratings - above the 90% range - like the latest condensing models of Buderus (see: Boilers Manufacturers). Condensing oil boilers demand an initial higher investment, but will reduce your environmental carbon footprint and your heating bills.

Alternatives to boiler systems

There are strategies for replacing central space heating and to get smaller energy bills, replacing high-capacity boilers and their central heating systems. These strategies should be taken into account in new homes and in big remodeling projects.

These alternatives involve elements like high levels of home insulation, zone heating (instead of hole-house space heating) or the use of small heaters (gas stoves, for instance) or solar heating systems...