When it comes to heating your home, you have two options on how to go about it: either installing a furnace or a boiler. Contrary to what most homeowners think, the two are different in terms of how they operate and their potential energy efficiency.
It’s important that you make an informed and knowledgeable choice when choosing a heating system for your house. In this post, Airworks, Inc. discusses everything you need to know about boilers and furnaces.
The Furnace
The furnace heats air which it then distributes by a blower through your home’s duct or vent system. The hot air is then released into the respective rooms.
Furnaces run on either electricity, natural gas, or even propane and oil. More often than not, they are integrated with the cooling system, in which they become a heating and air conditioning system.
The Boiler
Boilers heat your home differently. Instead of heating air, it heats water which is then turned into steam. The heat it emanates moves through the pipes where it’s dispersed through radiators across the house. The hot water version doesn’t turn the boiled water into steam. Instead, it moves the water through baseboard radiators or a radiant floor system where they heat their respective rooms.
Like furnaces, boilers can run on various energy sources apart from electricity. Some are powered by natural gas, oil, and even wood.
The Pros and Cons
Furnaces are more popular as not only are they more common and easier to install, they are also less expensive compared to a boiler. They are usually about half the price of a standard boiler system. Since they don’t make use of water, there’s also no risk of leaks or freezing.
These systems are slightly less efficient than heating with water. This is especially obvious in larger homes that typically require two furnaces just to heat the entire property. The heat it disperses is also a bit inconsistent and the hot air it blows often carries dust and allergens.
In comparison, boilers pump out consistent heat, ensure good air quality, and are generally more energy-efficient as they uses less fuel. The only downside is that they are expensive, and more difficult to install and convert. It takes a longer time to adjust the thermostat. As previously mentioned, faulty boilers can also develop leaks which can pose as a real danger to your home.
As your heating repair and installation experts, Airworks, Inc can help you determine which heating system best fits your needs. Call us today at (406) 630-4170 to learn more about our heating and cooling services. We offer complete heating services throughout Whitefish and Kalispell, MT.
