Steam-generated boilers have been around since the late 1700s to early 1800s. In the late 1800s, the convection boiler was developed, and from there began the steam-generating industry.
Using a furnace for central heating has been around for centuries. By the 1970s, electric furnaces replaced gas ones because of the energy crisis.
The question is, what’s the difference between boiler vs. furnace? Keep reading to find out how they’re different and which is the better option for heating your Longview, TX home!
What Is a Boiler?
A boiler is a pressure vessel. It’s a closed container that holds water or another liquid that gets heated and turned into steam. The boiler is the main component of a home’s heating system and plays an essential role in the distribution of heat.
Most boilers are pieces of a radiator system or hydronic heating. The heating system contains a pipe system, a circular pump, a baseboard, and radiators.
Different components exist in different parts of the home to ensure equal distribution of heat.
What Is a Furnace?
A furnace is much different than a boiler in that it uses air to heat a home. It forces cool air through a heat exchanger, which heats the air. For distribution, the hot air gets pushed through a home’s existing HVAC system.
There are horizontal, downflow, and upflow furnaces. The fuel source for furnaces can be gas, oil, electricity, or induction.
Differences Between Boilers and Furnaces
Both boilers and furnaces exist to heat homes or buildings. They’re different in the way they heat.
A boiler heats water in a tank. The hot water gets pushed through pipes throughout a home, and then that hot water or steam heats the different rooms in a home.
A furnace, on the other hand, uses a heat exchanger to provide heat. A furnace heats up the air, and then that air circulates throughout a home.
Should You Get a Boiler or Furnace for Your Home?
There are pros and cons to both boilers and furnaces. Boilers are more expensive upfront but can last longer than furnaces.
Boilers are exclusive to heating, though. Even though a furnace can’t cool your home, the ductwork can still be used for a cooling system.
Installation for boilers is more complicated, and furnaces produce heat much more quickly. There are minimal leaks associated with furnaces, whereas a damaged or old boiler can easily cause leaks.
Furnaces are noisier, but there are no risks of frozen pipes.
You must clean your filters regularly if you opt to get a furnace. Otherwise, you run the risk of bringing in allergens and dust into your home.
Boiler vs. Furnace for Your Home
If you’re wondering whether you should get a boiler vs. furnace for your Longview, TX home, rest assured that neither one is the wrong choice.
A furnace is an excellent choice for a home, as they are less expensive and quicker to generate heat. However, a boiler can also be a great addition to your Texas home and will last for years to come.
Alco Air provides the best possible solutions to many homes and businesses. We have experience, expertise, and provide exceptional customer service.
If you’re still unsure if you should get a boiler or furnace for your Longview home, contact us! We’re happy to answer any questions and to help with all of your home’s heating needs.