Boiler vs HVAC: How Should You Heat Your Home?

There are two main ways to heat a home: a traditional boiler system or a modern HVAC system. Both systems have their pros and cons. In this post, we’ll dive into the unique benefits of each to help you decide which is the best solution for you.

Why use a boiler?

Boilers work by heating water and then circulating throughout a home through pipes and radiators. This is the most common heating system in the UK and is found in most older buildings. Some of the biggest benefits of using a boiler are that it is:

More effective in very cold temperatures

Boiler systems are typically more reliable and consistent in sub-zero temperatures. If you live in the north of the UK, you may find that it makes more sense to adopt a boiler system due to the greater number of very cold days in winter.

Suitable to older homes

Many old homes already have the infrastructure in place to support a boiler system. Such properties also have less insulation and boiler systems are typically better at heating spaces with poor insulation than HVAC.

Less noisy

While boilers and radiators can make noises (usually if there’s a problem or they need bleeding), they are generally not as noisy as HVAC systems. For sensitive sleepers and those that want a quieter home, boiler systems are therefore a good choice.

Why use a HVAC system?

HVAC is very common in other parts of the world like North America, and is becoming more popular in modern UK homes. They use a furnace or heat pump to circulate hot air through ducts and vents around the home. A growing number of people are considering adoption of HVAC systems due to the following benefits:

Option of cooling

The biggest benefit HVAC has over a boiler system is that it can also cool your home. With UK summers getting hotter due to climate change, a growing number of homeowners are hiring HVAC companies to install systems or single units to help make heatwaves less uncomfortable. 

Less expensive to run

HVAC systems tend to be less expensive to run. While the initial cost of installing a heat pump can be more than installing a boiler, HVAC systems tend to use a lot less energy, leading to cheaper energy bills. Repairs tend to also be less expensive. 

More eco-friendly

Because they are generally more energy-efficient, HVAC systems are also a greener option. Modern boiler systems are getting a lot better and are catching up, but HVAC systems are also advancing and are typically easier to integrate with solar panels. 

Which should you choose?

Whether you decide to use a boiler system or HVAC system all comes down to which solution is best suited to your property and lifestyle. If you live in a cold region in an older home with poor insulation, a traditional boiler system is going to be better for coping with the winters. If you live in a modern insulated home in a warmer area, you may find that a HVAC system is more beneficial – both for its energy-efficiency and cooling options. 

See more home and interiors posts here

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.