Boiler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?
You're about to buy a new property - awesome! Whether you’re a new home buyer or a landlord, you’ll want to be familiar with how your property is heated, cooled, and what that costs. Just one question - does it have a boiler, or a furnace? And...what exactly is the difference?
What is a boiler?
A boiler uses hot water or steam to heat your home. You can remember this because it boils the water, which turns into steam and heats your home. Boilers push out heat through radiators or radiant flooring.
What is a furnace?
A furnace heats your home with warm air. It uses natural gas, propane or electricity. Using these systems, it heats up air and pushes this hot air into your home through air ducts.
Does a furnace need more maintenance than a boiler?
Boilers do not need much maintenance. They typically have one annual service check. Furnaces need an annual service check too. They also need regular cleaning out of their air filters. This may need to be done more often if your home is dusty or has pets.
Does a furnace cost less than a boiler?
A furnace costs less than a boiler. The average price for a gas furnace is $600-$1,000. A gas boiler costs more than $1,500. Installation costs are also more expensive. I recommend the HomeAdvisor guide to boiler and furnace installation in order to determine the exact costs of installing and maintaining your heating system.
Does a boiler last longer than a furnace?
However, it cost more to heat with a furnace. It is a less efficient heating system, and you end up paying for a lot of heat you don't use. A boiler and a furnace should both last between 15 and 30 years (Constellation.com).
Whether you're going with a boiler or a furnace in your new property, each comes with a variety of pros and cons. Consider both upfront and long-term costs when choosing your heating system.