Your heating system is one of the most important items of equipment in your home. But if your heating system is a boiler, there are marked differences between it and a furnace. You can use the following list to help determine the important differences between the two and learn more about your heating system.

Furnaces

• Heat your home using warm air circulated through ductwork.
• Natural gas, propane or electricity are used to power furnaces.
• Beyond an annual inspection by a certified technician, who should check for risks of natural gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, air filters should be changed quarterly or monthly.
• Cost less, take less time to install than a boiler and have less chance of freezing in cold weather
• Potentially create a drafty environment, run the risk of valve leaks and may create issues for those suffering with allergies.

Boilers

• Heat your home using hot water, or steam from it, which is pumped throughout your home via radiant flooring systems or radiators.
• Natural gas, oil electricity or sometimes wood pellets are used to power boilers.
• Beyond an annual tune-up by a certified technician, who should check for risks of natural gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, not much maintenance is required.
• Quieter than furnaces, are more energy-efficient, provide better home air quality, require no ductwork and any water heated by boilers can be reused.
• Usually are more expensive than furnaces and damage from any leaks can also be costly to repair.

Need a new boiler or furnace? Or have more questions? You can rely on our team of local heating and home service experts for all your heating system installation and repair needs.