Boiler vs. Furnace: Know the Pros and Cons

Trying to decide whether a boiler or a furnace will work best for your needs? While both appliances play an important role when it comes to heating your home, it’s important to decide which one fits your needs best. Your decision should be based on many different factors, including where you live and the size of your home.

It’s also important to consider the general pros and cons of both boilers and furnaces. If you’re having trouble deciding, read on for an in-depth boiler vs. furnace comparison.

What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace?

Before getting too deep into your research, it’s important to understand the differences between a boiler and a furnace. Both do the important job of heating your home, but they do so in very different ways. A furnace, for example, will use propane, natural gas or electricity to warm your home. It distributes heat via the duct systems in your home.

Boilers, on the other hand, use hot water to warm the air. They do this by sending hot steam through pipes to heat radiators all over the home. To heat the water, boilers may utilize wood, natural gas, oil or electricity.

Pros and cons of furnaces

Some people choose furnaces over boilers because they are easier and cheaper to install. In fact, furnaces can be around half the cost of boilers in some cases. The installation process usually only takes a few hours, which can help save of money on labor costs. You also don’t have to worry about your heating system freezing during the winter with furnaces, since they don’t contain water.

One of the major cons with furnaces is that they require more maintenance than boilers. To ensure your furnace runs efficiently, it’s important to schedule an annual inspection by an HVAC professional. You’ll also need to change your system’s air filters around once a month, especially if you own pets. Furnaces are less energy efficient than boilers, meaning you’ll likely see higher energy costs with a furnace.

Pros and cons of boilers

Boilers are often the way to go if you suffer from allergies. Unlike furnaces, boilers don’t spread allergens throughout the home, since they distribute heat via pipes. Boilers also require less maintenance and more consistent heat than furnaces. One of the best things about boilers is that they’re more energy-efficient, which means lower energy bills.

On the other side of things, boilers are much harder to install than furnaces. There’s also the potential for leaks that comes with owning a boiler.

Hopefully, this boiler vs. furnace comparison has helped make your decision a bit easier. No matter which system you decide on, it’s important to invest in proper installation. Performing installation on your own is difficult, time-consuming and likely to result in disastrous consequences. Let someone who has years of experience save you time and money by installing your boiler or furnace quickly and efficiently.

Contact the experts at BLM Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning for all your heating needs. We’re pleased to provide installation, maintenance and repair services for both furnaces and boilers.

Categorised in: Heating Service

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