What Is The Difference Between Boilers And Furnaces?

11/3/2022

man covered up with blanket to keep warm near radiator

What is the difference between boilers and furnaces? Or, boilers and water heaters? Many homeowners use these terms interchangeably, but these systems—from the way they work to their very purpose—are all incredibly different. In this article, we’ll review boilers, furnaces, and water heaters, and how to know which system you need for your home.

What is the difference between boilers and furnaces?

The majority of homes in the United States have a central heating system. Those that don’t typically have a ductless mini-split setup.

But, not all types of central heating systems are the same. The two most common types of heating systems installed in homes today include furnaces and boilers. Some people think that the difference between the two is just semantics. However, this is not the case. Sure, both the systems keep the room warm, but the way that the warm air is generated is different.

Knowing the differences between a boiler and a furnace will be helpful when it comes to new heater installation. It will also be of use when conversing with the technician about heater problems. So, what are the differences between the two? You should continue reading the article to find out.

What are boilers?

Boilers generate warm air through the heated water in a tank. They don’t require ducts to circulate warm air throughout the house. Instead, heated water is circulated through pipes to different end points located inside the house that are typically baseboard heaters or radiators. This is known as radiant heating.

Electric boilers have heating elements to heat the water, while gas heaters use jets under the tank for the same purpose. The heat is moved through the end points into the living space through radiant heat transfer—the delivery of heat by increasing the surface temperature so that it warms the nearby area.

What are furnaces?

On the other hand, both gas and electric furnaces are forced-air systems. They combust fuel (gas) or generate heat (electricity) to heat up air, which is then blown through ducts into the living spaces of your home. The forced systems heat the air through a device known as a heat exchanger. The heated air is then circulated inside the house through the ducts by blower fans. In electric-powered furnaces, heating elements are present that create warm air, while in fuel-powered furnaces the warm air is created by the gas jets.

If your gas or electric furnace is getting up there in age, it might need to be replaced. Check out this article to learn why you should consider getting a new furnace installed before winter arrives.

So, which is better?

Each type of the heater has its own advantages and disadvantages. Boilers tend to produce cleaner heat and entail lower repair and operation costs. They also tend to be more energy-efficient: less heat energy is wasted through radiant heating compared to forced-air heating. Ultimately, this is a big difference between boilers and furnaces.

However, if your home isn’t set up for a boiler and radiant heating, you may find the cost of installation to be prohibitive—especially if you already have ductwork, anyway. Most homeowners looking to put in radiant heating do so during a major remodel or new home build so that they can run the water lines underneath floors. This has the added benefit of adding heated floors to your home.

What about water heaters?

Many people confuse water heaters and boilers. After all, the physics is fundamentally the same: both systems are using some form of energy (electricity, natural gas) to heat water inside of a tank, and then using pipes to distribute it out to other areas of your home. However, this is where the similiarities end. For the most part, the water inside of a radiant heating system and boiler exists in a closed loop—its purpose is to transport heat energy.

Water heaters, obviously, disperse water to the taps, faucets, and shower heads in your home. They are considered plumbing, while boilers are considered an HVAC system. If your water heater stops working, you’ll need to call a plumber. At Service Legends, we have both HVAC techs and plumbers on our team.

7 Types of Home Heating Systems

1. Furnace (forced air distribution system)

With a furnace (usually powered with gas), air is forced through a series of ducts. This distributes heated, conditioned air throughout the home. While furnaces can heat the air with electricity, propane, or oil, most U.S. homes utilize natural gas.

Gas furnaces are the most popular type of heating system since the forced air distribution system (ductwork) can be used by your air conditioner during the summer months.

2. Boiler (Radiator distribution system)

Boilers are another common heating system. They send hot water or steam through pipes to provide heating. While this enables you to practice zoned heating and cooling, they are also significantly more expensive to install and cost more money to run.

The reason why furnaces and boilers are known as central heating systems is that the heat is generated in a central area of the home and then distributed throughout the house.

3. Heat Pump

Heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool the home. They use refrigerant and electricity to transfer heat rather than generating it directly like a gas furnace. As a result, they are often much more efficient than other types of heating systems. Unfortunately, they work best in moderate climates where temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

4. Hybrid Heating

Hybrid heating combines the energy efficiency of a heat pump with the power of a gas furnace. Most of the time, the heat pump will operate to heat and cool your home. It is only during extreme temperatures that the furnace kicks on.

And since you aren’t just relying on one system, you will reduce significant strain on both units, thus significantly reducing the need for repairs and replacements.

5. Ductless Mini-Splits

By getting rid of the need for lots of air ducts, mini-split units allow you to create separate HVAC zones, each with a separate thermostat. This is very helpful in larger homes and add-on areas that don’t have ductwork installed.

6. Radiant Heating

Radiant heating sends hot water or electric heat through special tubes located in the floor (and sometimes in the ceiling or walls). The heat can be generated by oil, gas, propane, or electricity.

While the radiant heating distribution system can last a long time, repairs can become very expensive if a problem arises. The lifespan of radiant heat is dependent on its heat source system.

7. Baseboard Heaters

Usually reserved as supplemental heating or heating in an add-on, baseboard heating can be an effective and affordable choice. You have two choices when it comes to baseboard heating: electric or hydronic. Speak with your HVAC contractor for more information on baseboard heaters.

Extend the Lifespan of HVAC System

When it comes to our vehicles, we want to ensure that the lifespan reaches its max. With proper care, vehicles will often exceed mileage expectations. The same is true for your HVAC system. With annual maintenance and careful attention to warning signs, you’ll get the most out of your furnace for years to come.

Choosing a replacement heating system is a big decision. Don’t take it lightly. Speak with the HVAC experts at Service Legends for more information on selecting the right HVAC system. We are known for trustworthy, on-time home heating & air conditioning service throughout the Des Moines area.

Get a free in-home estimate on a new furnace or boiler.

Does your home need a new heater? We’re here to help. At Service Legends, we offer free in-home estimates on new heating systems—including both furnaces and boilers.

515-657-6634 Request Appointment Online

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