Furnaces and Boilers: What’s the Difference?

Boilers and furnaces are two of the top options for keeping warm in your Granger, IN home. If you already use one of these systems, you may not have given much thought to switching to the other. Whether you’re nearing the end of your heating system’s lifespan or you’re simply interested in improving your comfort and cutting utility costs, it’s worth considering your options for an upgrade.

How Boilers Work

Boilers warm the home by heating water. The resulting hot water or steam is then transported through the home via radiators. There are many different types of boilers. You can power a boiler with electricity, natural gas, oil, or wood. Boilers provide quiet, consistent heating. Though they are low maintenance when you keep up with annual tune-ups, leaks can develop and pose a risk of water damage.

How Furnaces Work

Furnaces heat the air and transport it through the house using your ductwork. The furnace’s blower pushes hot air through your ducts. The air is then delivered to your home via air vents. If your ducts aren’t properly sealed and insulated, you may experience some heat loss. You should change your HVAC filters regularly and schedule annual maintenance to keep a furnace in good condition.

Comparing Costs

Boilers are more expensive upfront. Their efficiency levels are comparable to furnaces, depending on the system. You can find an electric furnace with an AFUE rating over 90 percent, which is on par with a high-efficiency water tank boiler and slightly higher than a high-efficiency steam boiler. The biggest difference is in the cost of fueling or powering your system. Boilers don’t experience heat loss through ductwork and are available with zone heating to further reduce costs. Over time, it’s typically cheaper to operate a boiler.

If you’re in the market for a new heating system, Rex’s Heating and Cooling can help you explore your options. Give us a call at (574) 500-2867 to learn more about which system is the right choice for your home.