When choosing a heating system for your house, a homeowner may wonder what the difference between a boiler and a heater is, and which choice best suits their needs. At Thompson Heating & Air Conditioning, we can consult with you and help you decide which one works best for you, and if you are looking to switch, we can perform an HVAC conversion for your house.
How a Furnace Works
Furnaces rely on natural gas, propane, or electricity to create heat and distribute it throughout your home, and there are several different types. Natural draft furnaces are an older type that lacks energy efficiency, as they do not have a blower to aid in spreading heat. Forced-air furnaces are another type, and they do have blowers to move heated air. Induced-draft furnaces have a motor that controls airflow and can assist in removing byproducts of the heating process like carbon monoxide. Many modern units use condensing furnaces, which are more energy efficient.
What a Boiler Does
Boilers work not just to provide heat for your home, but also to provide hot water as well. It heats up water to create steam, and the steam is sent to the radiators that heat your home. It can also be used as a hot water heater to provide warm water for washing dishes and clothes, combining the properties of a water heater and a furnace into one unit. This system is very efficient, as the steam can be recycled back into water to be boiled again.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Boilers and Furnaces
There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding between a boiler and a furnace. Boilers are more energy-efficient, provide more consistent heat, and can improve a home’s air quality since it does not move air to heat the home. However, they need more time for installation, and it can take a while for the temperature to change once the thermostat has been adjusted.
A furnace can produce heat faster than a boiler, and they are more common, which makes them more affordable. It also eliminates the risk of frozen pipes, which can be a concern when using a boiler. However, they tend to be louder, as well as not providing consistent temperature, leaving some parts of the house colder than others. It can also reduce air quality if the furnace filters are not regularly replaced.
At Thompson Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you repair or replace your current heating system with one that works best with your needs. We offer a variety of reliable heating products from brands that you can trust. Call us at (505) 884-2675 if you have any questions or to contact us for our 24/7 emergency service!