QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The following are some of the most common questions we are asked about heating your home with a Fleetline Hot Water Boiler. If you do not see your question here or you wish to get more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Question
We're getting serious about building a new house and are investigating different heating systems. Why should I look at a Hot Water Boiler rather than a regular hot air furnace?
Answer
Heating with hot water has many advantages over a hot air furnace. Beginning with a healthier environment, it is cleaner, more comfortable and more efficient. It also is a lot more versatile since the same boiler also provides hot water for showers, laundry, dishes and can be used to heat sidewalks, hot tubs and more. Studies have shown that homeowners familiar with both systems prefer a hot water boiler.

Question
If hot water heating is so much better, why are most homes heated by hot air?
Answer
Because North American home builders normally don't give the homeowner a choice. Unlike Europe where over 90% of homes are heated by hot water. Builders tend to combine heating and cooling within the same ducted systems to save construction costs and make the sae price look better. The most efficient and comfortable system is a seperate heating and cooling setup which will save money in the long run.

Question
Are hot water heating systems more expensive?
Answer
While the initial costs are higher than a standard hot air duct system, hot water installations can save the home owner more than 20% on heating and cooling costs over time, plus, the hot water system is a lot more comfortable and versatile.

Question
What are A.F.U.E. ratings?
Answer
A.F.U.E. (Annual Fuel Usage Efficiency) is a rating appied to the heating efficiency of a furnace or a hot water boiler. Keep in mind that when you do comparisons, the rating does not apply to the distribution system that carries the heat to the rooms in your house. A proper rating would be a combination of both A.F.U.E and the efficiency of the distribution. This is where the hot water system gets much better ratings since ducted hot air systems can easily waste up to 20% of the heat.

Question
Is a hot water system cleaner and healthier?
Answer
Yes, because hot air systems are constantly moving dust, smoke, pollen and other particles through the air. Patients with asthma are often prescribed hot water heating by their doctors.

Question
I'm constantly aware of the noise my furnace makes. Are hot water heating systems noisy also?
Answer
Hot water heating does not require large, noisy fans and metal ducting to heat your home. They are therefore much quieter.

Question
Why do you say that hot water heat is more comfortable?
Answer
Ducted heating systems move air and heat that creates hot and cold areas. Hot water heat uses gentle radiation to warm the air and distributed heat more evenly.

Question
How long will a hot water boiler last?
Answer
Our Fleetlilne Hot Water Boilers carry a 20 Year Warranty which is twice that of a regular hot air furnace. That should give you some idea.

Question
Can my existing home use a hot water boiler for heating?
Answer
Yes. An existing home can be retrofitted to use hot water for heat. However, to take advantage of hot heating water efficiency, we suggest you use the existing ducts for cooling and install hot water baseboard heaters for heating. As you do remodeling, areas such as bathrooms can be refitted with in-floor radiant heat or towel warmers to provide even more comfort.

Question
Do you do heating installations in new homes?
Answer
Sorry, we concentrate only on making our Fleetline Hot Water Boilers. Ask your home builder to contact us and we can supply them with all the information they'll need to build you a home that has comfortable living all year long!

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