If you’re in the market for a new heater, you may be weighing your options between different types of systems. Two of the most popular heaters that we have homeowners install are furnaces and boilers. You may be more familiar with one and not the other, so we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each.
If you have any questions about heating in Lake Geneva, WI, our team can help. We can offer you a free assessment of your home and walk you through the installation process for each type of heating system. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of furnaces and boilers so that you can make the best decision for your home and family.
Furnace and Boiler Similarities
Furnaces and boilers are both excellent options for heating your home. Either type of system can be electric or gas. If you want to stick with whatever energy source is already in your home, you don’t have to worry about changing those connections out. However, if you would prefer to switch to gas or electric, that’s also a possibility. It just depends on your home’s layout in your existing connections.
Installing a Furnace
Whether you choose gas or electric, furnaces are very common. They are usually forced air systems that have ductwork either in your ceiling or below your floor with corresponding air vents to channel heated air into your home. A furnace is usually considered a more traditional option compared to a boiler.
While furnaces can be very energy efficient, you do run the risk of losing heat through the ductwork as it flows from inside your furnace to your home. This heat loss can increase your energy bills as your furnace has to heat more air to blow into your home. You can combat this heat loss by ensuring that your air ducts have completely sealed joints so air won’t escape as easily. You can also make sure that all of your doors and windows are sealed so air can’t escape that way.
Installing a Boiler
Boilers use hot water to radiate heat instead of blowing hot air. Your boiler heats water and then moves it throughout your home using pipes and strategically placed radiators. When the water heats up in the pipes, the heat radiates out into your home. Boilers are considered highly energy efficient because you don’t lose heat through air ducts. All of the heat stays in the pipes and radiates out into your home. Water is also a much better conductor of heat and air, so the heat tends to last longer.
Keep in mind that installing a boiler can be a big project if you’ve never had one before. Water lines need to be installed in your walls or floors for the radiant heating to work effectively. It takes up a similar amount of space to a furnace that has ductwork but the components are different.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!