With bitter cold winters and frigid breezes blowing off Lake Michigan, reliable heating is necessary for every Chicago home. If you’re more familiar with forced-air heating, you may hesitate to buy or build a home with radiator heating. However, even though it’s less common in modern buildings, the warmth radiators give off simply cannot be matched. Here’s what to expect if you purchase a property in Chicago with radiator heating:

Long-lasting heat: Temperature fluctuations from the average furnace make it difficult to stay comfortable. Unlike forced-air systems, radiators continue to give off heat for hours after the boiler turns off. This gives your home the consistent, cozy feeling you want during the winter.
No drafts: Even though the furnace blows warm air, the “breeze” coming from the supply registers can feel cold. The last thing you want is to create a wind-chill effect that makes your home feel colder than it really is. With radiator heating, warmth enters the room without blowing air around, helping you feel warmer at a lower temperature.
Quiet operation: The lack of airflow from radiators has another effect—it allows you to heat your home almost silently. You may hear the boiler working behind the scenes when it powers on, but with no blower component, it never sounds “windy” in your house.
Improved air quality: Homeowners with furnaces commonly complain that they circulate dust, dander, and other allergens. If you have asthma or allergies, you will appreciate this additional benefit of heating your home without blowing air around.