Is the Furnace the Same as a Boiler?
Boilers and furnaces are the two most popular heating systems for keeping the home environment warm and comfortable during winters. Some homeowners believe that boilers and furnaces are the same and often use these terms interchangeably. However, even though both perform the similar function of heating the indoors, they differ significantly from each other.
Understanding the differences between a boiler and furnace helps one choose the right heating system for a home. Homeowners looking to upgrade their existing heating system also need to consider factors like the property layout and heating needs, which play a vital part in the buying decision.
In this article, we mention a few key differences between a boiler and a furnace.
Operation
A boiler heats a home by circulating hot water or glycol stored in a sealed container throughout the home. The liquid is heated by burning oil, natural gas, or electricity. Boilers that use wood, corn pellets, and other renewable energy sources as alternate fuels are also available. It also works as a hot water source for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry needs.
A furnace heats air instead of liquid. It combusts oil, natural gas, propane, or electricity to produce warmth. Solar-powered furnaces are also gaining popularity slowly.
Heat distribution system
The boiler uses a pipe system to circulate the heated water, once it reaches a specific temperature, to radiators or baseboard heaters that keep the house warm. The pipe system spreads through the house and will keep the rooms farthest from the boiler at a comfortable temperature. Steam boilers use a separate heating device to convert water into steam to heat the home.
The blower motor in a furnace moves the heated air generated through a heat exchanger and throughout the home using a system of ducts and vents. It is known as forced-air heating.
How to choose between a boiler and a furnace
While both systems are effective at heating a home, each has its advantages and disadvantages. We list here some pros and cons of both the heating systems to facilitate decision making.
Boiler pros
They use less energy to generate more heat, keeping the utility bills lower in the long run.
Due to the absence of a blower fan to circulate air through a closed system, boilers produce significantly less noise.
They provide consistent heating.
As boilers circulate hot water or steam instead of air, it eliminates the possibility of distributing various airborne contaminants.
Low maintenance and repair requirements.
Boiler cons
A boiler only generates heat, and homeowners need to install a separate air conditioner system for cooling.
Old and ill-maintained systems are highly susceptible to leaks, exposing the home to severe water damage.
Boiler installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Converting boilers to forced-air heating systems requires ductwork installation that is both complex and expensive.
Frozen pipes are a common issue with boilers installed in colder regions.
Furnace pros
They produce heat faster than boilers and require much less time to achieve desired temperatures for warming up any space.
They are easy to install and cost-effective heating options due to their easy and wide availability.
Furnace leaks are not hazardous, unlike burners.
Furnace cons
They produce more noise during operation than boilers.
Neglecting to change filters and clean duct work can lead to poor air quality in the house.
Inconsistent heating.
Contact an HVAC contractor to learn more about the differences between a furnace and a boiler. They will assist in choosing the best heating system.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817) 439-9811.
