Boiler versus Furnace: What are the Differences?
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable in the cooler months, there are typically two methods a majority of homeowners will use: a furnace or a boiler. While both are viable options for heating your home, there have their differences that make them better suited for some homes as opposed to others. By understanding how each one works, you can have an easier time deciding which is a better fit for your individual needs.
How Each Creates Hot Air
A Furnace
Furnaces use the process of forced air to heat up air for your home. The air is carried through a heat exchanger inside the unit after gas or oil is used as a fuel source for the process.
A Boiler
On the contrary, boilers heat up water to create warm air. After coming through a separate water tank, water will be heated to the ideal temperature to warm air inside your system.
How Each Distributes Hot Air
A Furnace
Once the air is heated, a furnace will push the treated air through a series of ducts in your home so it reaches supply vents in various rooms.
A Boiler
Once the air is heated in a boiler, it will be pushed through various plumbing pipes until it reaches your baseboards and radiators. These units then (as the name implies) radiate the heat into that particular room.
How Long Each Takes to Heat Air
A Furnace
Since it is a bit easier to heat plain air, furnaces can often accomplish this task rather quickly, giving your comfort faster.
A Boiler
Since water must be heated first then the air itself, boiler do tend to take a bit longer to warm up a room.
Aside from those differences, there are also other factors to consider when deciding between a furnace and a boiler, such as installation costs and maintenance. For more information about either system, contact the experts at Lancaster PHCE. Our team can answer all your questions and provide you with expert advice to find the right fit for your home.
