Choosing the right method for heating your home is important. There are a variety of factors that go into the process, including energy efficiency, the size of your residence, the climate you live in, repair costs, and much more. It is important to look at how each system works to determine the best system for your needs.

At Petro Home Services we are dedicated to helping educate consumers while making this vital decision. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide to assist in your fact-finding process.

The difference between Boiler heat vs. Furnace.

There’s a substantial difference between boiler heat vs. furnace heating. To put it in simple terms, a boiler uses hot water or steam from hot water to heat your home and a furnace uses warm air. But the contrast goes a little bit farther than just that. The way each system operates to provide climate control during sub-zero temperatures is quite different, and it’s important to look at other factors like repair cost and initial installation to determine which one is best for your home.

How so they work?

Another important factor to consider in the boiler vs. heater debate is how each type of unit works. A furnace system runs on natural gas, propane, or electricity. It heats up air and pushes it through the ductwork of your home using a blower. This creates a high level of ambient temperature in the home, but the air is sometimes less comfortable due to dryness.

Boiler systems run via natural gas, oil, electricity, or even wood pellets. They heat up water to very hot conditions and use a special pump to heat radiant flooring systems, cast iron radiators, or baseboard radiators throughout your home. Due to the lack of a blower, radiantly heated air is often the most comfortable option for use inside your home.

Both boiler systems and furnaces are used in conjunction with air conditioning systems to cool your home in the summer, but certain homes might require additional ductwork or an alternative type of ductless system for this to be possible.

Maintenance requirements.

For obvious reasons, the maintenance requirements for a boiler system is also much different than a furnace. Boiler units require little to no maintenance other than an annual service tune-up done by a professional. On the other hand, furnaces require not only an annual inspection but also the need to change your air filters monthly or quarterly. (If you live in a dusty area or have pets, you’ll want to change them more often, which can easily add up the cost.)

When it comes to natural gas furnace vs. a natural gas boiler, there are also a few maintenance differences than their standard counterparts. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or natural gas leaks, it is vital to have both types of these systems checked once a year by a professional service company.

Pros vs. cons

There is also a great deal of difference between the pros and cons of a boiler vs. a heater. Furnaces often cost less and take far less time to install than boiler systems. And, since furnaces don’t utilize water in the heating process, there’s less chance of freezing during a wintertime power outage. But the use of ductwork can create a drafty environment, and the spread of dust and dander is worse for families with allergies. Natural gas furnaces also run the risk of valve leaks, which can cause serious health issues.

In contrast, the radiant heat from a boiler system is much more comfortable than forced air from a furnace. These units are also less noisy, more energy efficient, and create better air quality inside your home. No ductwork is required. In certain cases, the heated water from the system may also be used for things like laundry, showers, or your dishwasher. The downside to these systems is that they can be more expensive on initial installation, and if there is ever a leak the damage to your home could be quite extensive.

Again, choosing the right heating system for your home requires a bit of research and understanding of each system in comparison to your needs. In most cases, a boiler system is a better alternative, but there are both pros and cons of both types of units.

Contact Petro Home Services for help with installation or repairs on your boiler or furnace home heating system.