Definition
A boiler heats water (or makes steam) and circulates it through radiators, baseboards, or in-floor tubing to warm a home — a method called hydronic heating. Unlike a furnace, it doesn't blow air, so it delivers steady, even warmth without distributing dust through ducts. Many older Grand Rapids homes still rely on boiler systems.
Why this matters for your home
Boilers are durable and comfortable but need their own specialized service — circulator pumps, expansion tanks, and pressure controls instead of blowers and filters. If your home has radiators or in-floor heat, you'll want a team that services hydronic systems, not just forced air.