Conroe Pros Explain the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace

Aren’t all heating systems kind of the same? What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace? CREW Heating & Cooling answers this question below. Our expert technicians have learned the differences through boiler and furnace repair services in Conroe, TX.

How Does a Boiler Work?

Boilers predominantly use moisture as a heat source. They often have a tank that contains a heated water supply, much like their smaller counterparts, water heaters. The unit might warm the water with electricity or fuel until it becomes steam or circulate it in liquid form.

The liquid or vapor water moves through a pipe system. These pipes are threaded beneath floors and walls to radiate heat throughout the building.  

What About Furnaces?

Furnaces, on the other hand, depend on a power source to ignite them, using electricity or fuel to light a spark and initiate cycles. They circulate air instead of water. You need a duct network to go with your furnace in Conroe, Texas.  

What Is the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace?

So, what is the difference between a boiler and a furnace beyond how they function? Let’s look at how they diverge below:

• Heating and cooling: You can easily integrate your furnace with a forced-air air conditioner. You need a separate cooling system to go with your boiler. 
• Appliance integration: Unlike a furnace, you can tie your water heater into your boiler. You might also combine radiator usage with your boiler if you need additional heating equipment. 
• Heating method: Boilers use water vs. air to move warmth through a building. A furnace exclusively circulates air through the vents. 
• Energy efficiency: You might pay less per month using a boiler since liquid and vapor water hold heat more effectively than air.
• Installation cost: What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace that might make you think twice about boilers in Conroe, Texas? Boilers cost more to install than furnaces.

Since winters in Conroe, Texas, are fairly mild, you might prefer to stick with a furnace unless you want to upgrade your property’s energy efficiency during the short cool season. 

How Are These Heating Systems Similar?

Now that you understand the differences let’s explore how these converge. The most obvious similarity is that furnaces and boilers have the same goal: heating building interiors for comfortable temperatures. They also have similar maintenance needs because each needs an annual tune-up to perform at its peak. 

Boilers and furnaces have similar fuel needs. Each system can run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil. However, older boilers may also use wood pellets as a primary energy source. 

Choosing the Best System for Your Home or Business in Conroe, Texas

What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace that might make you choose the first over the latter?

• Comfort levels: A boiler may make you comfortable since it doesn’t dry your indoor air and radiates heat rather than pushing it from vent openings. Many buildings retain radiated heat better than forced air. 
• Upfront pricing: On the other hand, you might go for a furnace before a boiler if you have a tight installation and monthly payment budget since furnaces are less expensive to install. 
• Indoor air quality: Boilers have little to no effect on indoor air quality. Meanwhile, a furnace directly impacts air quality because it blows debris, allergens, and other contaminants through the building. 
• Lifetime costs: While a boiler costs more upfront, it typically saves money long-term. It has fewer repair, maintenance, and utility needs than the average furnace. 
• Longevity: A modern boiler may last twice as long as a furnace, making it a fantastic long-term investment.
• Heating time: If you like your rooms warmed quickly, choose a furnace because boilers take time to warm up and circulate heat throughout the building.

If you are building a home or business from the ground up, consider how ductwork might affect your space needs. Furnaces require ductwork for air transfer, and the duct network may eat into your available square footage. Boiler pipes, by contrast, take up less space.