Choosing Between a Furnace and a Boiler: What You Need to Know

A furnace and a boiler are heating equipment that keeps homes comfortable during the cold season. While they serve the same purpose, they are different. They do not work the same. So, if you have a defective furnace, you might be thinking of replacing it with a boiler (or vice versa). Or should you continue using a furnace (or a boiler)?

Are you having difficulties deciding between a furnace and boiler replacement? Don't fret. This brief comparison explores the differences between a furnace and a boiler to help you make a suitable choice.

What Is The Difference Between A Furnace and A Boiler?

The main difference between the two heating types of equipment is how they operate. A furnace is part of the HVAC system that heats your home. It sucks cold air and passes it through a heat exchange, where it gets heated. It then blows this hot air using a fan and through pipes known as ducts, which distribute it throughout the house.

The main components of a furnace include a burner, heat exchanger, blower motor, and ductwork. It can run on propane, electricity, or natural gas. Additionally, homeowners can choose between the three types, namely upflow, downflow, and horizontal.

On the other hand, a boiler is an HVAC system that uses hot water. It has a large, closed thermal container that heats water to boiling point. This hot water, or sometimes steam, then circulates through a system of pipes to radiators and baseboards. As a result, it warms up the indoor space.

The main components of a boiler include a central boiler, circulator pump, pipes, baseboard, and radiators. It can also use electricity, oil, or natural gas.

Furnace Vs. Boiler: Energy-Efficiency

Generally, heating air requires more energy than heating water. That's because conditioned air tends to lose heat faster. On the other hand, water is a better thermal insulator, meaning it will retain the heat energy for longer.

As a result, boilers are more energy-efficient than furnaces. According to Forbes, an electric furnace uses about 50 kilowatts of electricity. That translates to an energy bill of $17 per day at an average cost of $0.17kWh.

Meanwhile, a medium 24 kW gas boiler using 24 kW energy per hour could use up to 120 kWh for five hours daily. The average cost of natural gas in 2023 is $1.144 per therm, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It would result in an average daily cost of $14.

Furnace Vs. Boiler: Installation Cost

The initial cost of furnace and boiler replacement depends on several factors, such as the type, size, and efficiency rating. For example, a big and more energy-efficient system will cost more than a smaller and less efficient system. The same applies to type and energy source.

However, boilers generally tend to be more expensive to install than furnaces. According to Forbes, the most affordable boiler costs about $3,000, while the most costly goes for about $13,500. On average, that's about $8,300.

The most affordable furnace costs about $1,000, while a high-end one costs as much as $8,750. On average, that's roughly $4,400.

Furnace Vs Boiler: Merits and Demerits

Furnace merits

• Affordable installation cost
• Highly responsive
• Zero risk of freezing
• Fewer leaks
• Offer more energy options, including solar and geothermal

Furnace demerits

• Noisy
• Heat inconsistencies (some rooms might feel warmer than others)
• It affects indoor air quality
• Less energy efficient

Boiler Merits

• More energy efficient
• Quiet when operating
• It does not affect indoor air quality
• Consistent heating throughout the house

Boiler Demerits

• May pose leak hazards
• It takes time to heat a room
• More expensive
• It takes more time to install

Conclusion

A furnace and a boiler are excellent ways to heat homes. However, homeowners should consider their heating needs and budget before choosing between them. To make an informed decision, consult with an HVAC professional. Engage reputable heating services and you'll never regret!