Boilers and furnaces are two of the most commonly confused types of heating systems. Both provide heat to your home, but they operate in drastically different ways. To determine which option is right for you, it’s important to carefully consider the differences between furnaces and boilers.
How They Work
Both boilers and furnaces start with a unit powered by oil, gas, electricity, or another type of fuel. However, once they generate heat, these two types of heating systems diverge. Boilers heat water, while furnaces heat air.
If you have a boiler, it will pump heated water or steam through radiators or a radiant floor heating system inside your home. The radiators or floor system then release heat, gradually warming the air in your living space. There are different styles of radiators used in boiler systems. Some homeowners have heated floors, while others have heated baseboards or individual radiator units in each room.
Meanwhile, a furnace uses a blower fan to push warm air throughout your home. The heated air travels through ducts and is blown out of vents set in your walls, ceiling, or floor. Your furnace system also pulls in cool air to heat, helping to circulate air throughout your entire home.
Size
Due to their operational method, boilers usually take up more space than furnaces. Since they require a tank to hold water, boilers often appear larger and more industrial. In contrast, most furnaces are compact and box-shaped. Additionally, certain types of boilers may occupy more room throughout your home, particularly if you have standalone radiators, which can take up space along your walls. Overall, furnace systems have a smaller footprint and are more streamlined.
Installation and Operational Costs
Which type of heater is more affordable? The answer depends on the type of expenses you’re concerned about. Boilers generally have a higher installation cost than furnaces. Not only is the boiler unit itself more expensive, but you might also need to invest in the radiator system that distributes heat throughout the house. On the other hand, furnaces typically connect to a home’s existing ductwork, making them often more affordable to install.
However, boilers tend to be more cost-effective to operate in some cases. Because the water distribution system in a boiler is sealed, it’s less prone to losing heat compared to a furnace system, which can lose heat through leaks in ductwork. Additionally, water transfers heat more efficiently than air, making it easier and more energy-efficient to heat water. This often results in boilers requiring less fuel to operate.
It’s important to consider local fuel costs when evaluating operational expenses. For instance, electricity is usually more expensive than natural gas, so an electric boiler might be more costly to run than a gas furnace. To accurately compare costs, you’ll need to evaluate models that use the same type of fuel.
Maintenance Needs
Boilers tend to require less maintenance than furnaces. Both types of heaters benefit from an annual service visit where a professional HVAC technician or plumber can inspect and tune up the system. However, furnaces also demand a bit more attention from homeowners. You’ll need to replace the furnace filter every 1 to 3 months to ensure it runs efficiently. Neglecting this task can reduce your furnace’s efficiency or even lead to clogs. Additionally, some furnace systems require periodic duct cleaning to maintain optimal performance. For homeowners who prefer a more hands-off approach to heating, boilers might be the better option.
Risks and Repairs
When it comes to reliability and repair costs, both boilers and furnaces have their pros and cons. The answer depends on the types of risks that concern you most. Boilers, which rely on water, are at risk of having pipes freeze in extremely cold weather. A few frozen pipes can potentially shut off heat to your entire home. Additionally, a leaky boiler can cause significant water damage and flooding.
Furnaces, on the other hand, are less susceptible to freezing temperatures and typically don’t cause extensive damage to your home if they break down. They are also generally cheaper to repair, as they don’t usually require specialized parts or tools. However, furnaces have more moving parts than boilers, which can lead to more frequent breakdowns. While a typical furnace lasts up to 15 to 20 years, a boiler can have a lifespan of up to 30 years.
Comfort Levels
Comfort is partially a matter of personal taste, but most homeowners agree boilers tend to be more comfortable. The radiant heat produced by boilers often feels a little gentler. Instead of a harsh blast of hot air across your skin, you just feel ambient warmth throughout the home. Most people find that boilers keep them warm without making the house seem stuffy or dry.
However, furnaces may be more comfortable for homeowners who can’t tolerate the cold. They warm up a space much more quickly than a boiler. If your region experiences a sudden cold snap, it can take around 30 to 60 minutes for the effects of your boiler to be felt. Since furnaces heat air directly, they start warming up the house almost instantly.
Boilers are also less disruptive to your lifestyle. Unlike a furnace, they don’t turn off and on all the time. Instead, they consistently run warm water through the system as needed. This tends to make boilers much quieter. At most, they produce some quiet whirring sounds or gentle bubbling noises. Meanwhile, furnaces often make pronounced clicking sounds when they power up and rushing noises as they push air through your house.
Indoor Air Quality
If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, both styles of heaters have their own pros and cons. A furnace circulates air through your home and pulls the air through a filter. This can be a helpful way of trapping things like pet dander and dust that otherwise float through your air. The circulation of a furnace can also do a great job of dispelling odors and preventing stale smells from arising in your home.
However, a furnace is only good for your air quality if it has airtight ducts and an efficient filtration system. In some homes, a furnace is actually worse for air quality because dust builds up inside the ducts and eventually gets released back into your air. With a boiler, problematic things like pollen stay in one spot instead of being blown throughout your house. This can end up creating cleaner, calmer air overall.
Farmington Hills Local HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Company
If you have any other questions about how furnaces and boilers work, AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here to answer them. Our team of professionals can help you explore all your heating options and find the right method for your home. We also assist Farmington Hills residents with a variety of other HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. To learn more about AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical and the services we offer, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
