How do you know which heating system is best for your home – a furnace or a boiler? Benny’s Energy can help you understand the difference between the two. The easiest way to remember what sets them apart from each other is the understanding that a furnace uses air and a boiler uses water to distribute heat throughout your home.
They both operate in different ways. A furnace heats the air that is distributed throughout the house using a blower motor and the home’s duct system. It runs on natural gas, propane, or electricity. The boiler uses hot water to heat your home. Hot water boilers distribute heat through small hot water pipes using a pump to heat baseboard, cast iron radiators, or radiant flooring systems. A steam boiler distributes steam through a network of pipes to heat the radiators in your home. Boilers can run on oil, gas, electricity, or even wood pellets.
Boilers and furnaces have pros and cons. Here are a few:
Furnaces typically use warm air, which creates a drafty environment because there is air blowing all around. This is a great solution in the summer to keep your house cool, but it can be uncomfortable for heating.
Boilers, including baseboard or cast iron radiators, usually provide steady heat with good temperature consistency. They do not spread dust and allergens through your home or dry out the air like forced air systems. On the downside, they can be a little more expensive for heat and central air conditioning.
Heating Equipment Maintenance
Maintenance can also be a deciding factor. Since furnaces blow air throughout the house, Benny’s Energy suggests changing the air filter anywhere from once a month to once a quarter for optimal air quality.
The maintenance for boilers is very different. High-efficiency boilers and oil boilers typically require annual service, but a cast-iron gas boiler can run for years with very little maintenance.
Benny’s Energy is happy to assist customers in Franklin and the surrounding area. When it comes to choosing a boiler or a furnace, which one makes more sense for you depends on your needs and your budget. Benny’s Energy is here to be of assistance and answer any questions you might have.