Boiler VS Furnace-Which One Should You Choose

Most of the homes in the United States are heated either by a boiler or a furnace. They both can get the job done but they do it differently.

If you are wondering whether you should be looking for Cloquet boiler installation or furnace installation, learning more about each is a good place to find the right solution for your home.

Same Goal Different Methods

Both boilers and furnaces deliver heating options. Furnaces heat air which is then forced through a duct system. Boilers heat water and can distribute it as steam through a system of radiators and pipes or it can distribute the hot water through baseboard radiators or radiant floor heating systems.

A boiler and a furnace can depend on different energy sources. For example, an electric boiler depends on electricity to heat the elements inside the boiler which in turn heats the water while a gas boiler depends on gas to heat the elements.

The same is true of a furnace. It can be powered by gas, electricity or oil. The fuel heats the hot air that is then forced through an exchange and blown through a duct system.

Each can deliver reliable heating. The lifespan of a furnace is about 15 to 18 years while the life span of a boiler is about 15 to 30 years. Of course, each type of system has a better chance of worry-free operation and extended longevity with the right maintenance.

Which One is Best?

Each type of heating option brings both pros and cons to the table. Dedicated professionals that specialize in heating systems can go into detail about which system is optimal for your property.

Here are some quick pros and cons for each:

• Boiler can be more energy efficient than furnaces
• Furnace installation can be less expensive than boiler installation
• Boilers can provide better air quality and they can be less noisy then furnaces
• Boiler requires less maintenance like not having to change air exchange filters
• Furnaces are easier to install
• Furnaces do not pose the leak risks that boilers do
• Conversion from a boiler system to a furnace system is cost prohibitive and, in many cases, impossible

Both heating options are good heating options, but each has the possibility of not being the best option for your needs. Experienced professionals can evaluate your property and provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision.