Boilers and furnaces—these terms are commonly used interchangeably, especially among homeowners when talking about heating systems. However, these two pieces of equipment are vastly different, from how they work to the reason they even exist.
If you want to understand the difference between boilers and furnaces and know which one you should install in your home, you are in the right place. This article will differentiate boilers and furnaces for you to help you know which one to pick.
Boilers vs. Furnaces
Boilers, as their name implies, boil water to produce heat. This heated water is pumped through various pipes that run throughout a home, emitting heat through radiators and such. Unlike furnaces, boilers do not need to use ventilation, such as ducts, to circulate heat throughout a house.
That said, there are generally two types of boilers: electric and gas. As you may have guessed, this refers to the fuel the boiler uses to heat the water. Regardless, they both work mostly the same way, circulating water around a home through pipes to keep it warm. Many people also confuse boilers with water heaters. Water heaters are only responsible for the hot water that runs through your taps, not the heating of your home.
Furnaces, on the other hand, do not boil water. Instead, they heat air directly. They work by forcing air through a heat exchanger to warm it. After that, the heated air is blown around through the ducts with blower fans. This also means that they do not use pipes that run throughout your home. Like a boiler, there are also two types of furnaces: gas and electricity.
Which one should you choose?
Both types of solutions come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In summary, boilers are a better option. They are cheaper to run, more affordable to repair, and are extremely energy-efficient. The only downside is that not all homes are built to work with a boiler. This can translate to expensive installation costs when setting up a boiler system. In such a case, a furnace will be the more affordable option, especially if you already have ductwork installed throughout your home.
If you are planning a major remodel for your home, setting up plans to install a boiler system is a good idea. In the long run, you will save plenty of money and leave a smaller carbon footprint. On the other hand, if you want a quick and simple solution that does not require much remodeling and already have ductworks set up, a furnace would be a good option.
Conclusion
If you are still unsure which option you should pick, contact a professional for an expert opinion. They can share with you the pros and cons of each option and help decide which one would be the best to satisfy your needs.
That said, if you have decided on a solution already, it pays to work with an expert to set the system up. They will make sure everything is where it should be to maximize your system’s performance, ensuring you enjoy a warm home for many years to come without burning a hole through your wallet.
Air 1 LLC is a full-service heating and air-conditioning company that offers various services, from generator installation to AC maintenance, to satisfy the needs of commercial and residential property owners. If you are interested in installing a boiler heating system in Essex County, contact us today and see how we can help!