Heat sources convert another form of energy, such as fuel, electricity or solar radiation into thermal energy to heat your home. The selection and sizing of your heat source depends on the type of heat emitters you will be using, cost, efficiency, the heat loss of your home, and what type of fuel you will be using to generate heat. The following are a few of the most common types of heat sources.

Boilers

Boilers can utilize gas, wood, oil or electricity to generate heat. In high-efficiency gas and wood boilers, water circulates through a heat exchanger inside the boiler where heat is transferred to the water from the hot combustion gases. High-efficiency gas boilers capture over 90% of the available energy from combustion, while modern wood boilers are capable of over 80%. Electric boilers work in a similar manner except the heat is generated by an electric resistance heating element. Each type of boiler has its own unique characteristics and installation requirements. Some of the best high efficiency boilers are fully modulating, sealed combustion units. These boilers draw air directly from outdoors and vent their combustion gas directly outdoors elimating any backdrafting or combustion make-up air issues that can arise with conventional boilers. Fully modulating boilers automatically adjust their heat output to match the current heat demand, making them much more efficient than unmodulated units that run at full capacity whenever they are on. We offer a variety of high quality boiler models. See our boiler page for more details.

Solar Collectors

Flat-plate solar collectors can also be employed to heat water for space heating in a hydronic system. Solar radiation is absorbed by the collectors and transferred into an antifreeze solution. The antifreeze is circulated through a heat exchanger into a large water storage tank. The heated water in the tank can then be directed to various heat emitters in the home. Solar space heating systems work very well to reduce the need for conventional heat sources; however, a backup heating method is required for times when there is not sufficient solar radiation to meet all of the heating needs.

Domestic Hot Water Systems

Domestic hot water systems can also be employed as a heat source for hydronic systems in some situations. Hot water is piped directly from the water heater or through a heat exchanger to the heat emitters of the hydronic system. In Wisconsin, all water heaters used for space heating must be tested and rated for such use.

Choosing the Right Heat Source

Selecting the heat source for your hydronic heating system is based on the fuel available and the heating load required, but there are several other factors that affect this choice. We can work with you to design a custom heating system for your new home or remodeling project. Please contact us for a custom heating system quotation.