At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re proud to provide a variety of heating services to all our clients. Not only do we offer common furnace repair and installation services, we also cover everything from duct cleaning to boiler system repair and service for homes that utilize these systems.
If you’ve never spent time in a home or building that used a boiler heating system, you might be wondering what it is and how it compares to the furnace you’re more familiar with. Today’s blog will dig into the basics on each of these items and how they compare, plus which to choose if you’re considering a brand new heating system in your home.
The most common heating method out there today, furnaces utilize air movement to heat your home. In fact, they are often referred to as a forced-air heating system. The process for their operation is as follows:
Boilers, on the other hand, utilize hot water rather than air to heat the home. They use some form of radiant heat to do this, whether it’s a cast iron radiator, ceramic option or even a baseboard or floor system. The process is simple:
So which is right for you? This all depends on the kind of air you want in your home, the costs you’re prepared to pay and several other factors. Furnaces are more common in large part because they’re cheaper to install, though many modern boilers are actually more efficient and may recoup these funds in the long run. If you don’t already have ductwork present in the home, in fact, a boiler installation might actually be less expensive. Boilers also avoid risks of dry air and cold patches, though these can also be avoided with proper furnace maintenance.
For more on the differences between boilers and furnaces, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.