Understanding the Differences Between Water Heaters, Furnaces, and Boilers

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the different types of appliances that keep your home warm and comfortable. Not only will this knowledge help you communicate effectively with HVAC professionals, but it can also help you make informed decisions about repairs and upgrades. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between water heaters, boilers, and furnaces so you can better understand how each one works and what it’s used for.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are responsible for heating the water that flows through your faucets, showers, dishwasher, and washing machine. They’re typically part of your plumbing system, not your HVAC system, and their main function is to keep the water at a consistent temperature. There are a few different types of water heaters, including tankless water heaters, electric water heaters, and gas water heaters.

Boilers

Boilers also heat water, but they have an additional function: providing warmth for your home. They do this by circulating hot water through a series of pipes and baseboard radiators. Some boilers convert the hot water to steam and use steam radiators instead, which isn’t quite as efficient. Because boilers are designed to provide heat (not just hot water), they fall into the HVAC category.

Furnaces

Furnaces are responsible for heating your home, but they don’t use water like boilers do. Instead, they heat the air itself and then push the warmed air throughout your home using a series of ducts. There are a few different types of furnaces, including gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and oil furnaces.

Which is Better: Boilers or Furnaces?

It’s not a matter of one being better than the other, as each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Boilers tend to require less maintenance and produce heat more efficiently, but they’re more expensive

Don’t let confusion and uncertainty about your HVAC system lead to costly repairs. Schedule a furnace or boiler check-up with our team of experts today and ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Call us now to schedule your appointment.