Boiler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference? | TF Complete

Boiler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?

The pros and cons of forced air, steam, and hot water heating systems

home heating massachusetts At this time of year, you really need a heating system that can stand up to a New England winter. If you’re building a new home or replacing an underperforming heating system, there are many choices out there. Two of the most common options are boiler and furnace systems.

At TF Complete Heating & Cooling, we have extensive experience installing, servicing, and repairing furnaces and boilers in Bristol, Worcester, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties. Here’s a rundown of how these heating systems differ, plus some factors you should consider before choosing one option over the other.

Choosing between a furnace or a boiler

If you’re trying to choose between a furnace and a boiler, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each before making your final decision.

How furnaces work

Furnaces are the heart of a forced-air heating system. They heat air, which a blower transfers into a home’s living spaces through ducts. If a home has vents that blow hot air, it most likely has a furnace system.

Furnace Pros Furnace Cons
Furnaces typically begin heating your home more quickly than boilers. The forced air of a furnace system can transport dust, debris, bacteria and other airborne impurities.
Furnaces generally cost less than boilers. Some people find furnaces loud.
The ductwork that a furnace uses to transfer hot air can be used by a central air conditioner in the summer. Furnace systems can dry out the air in your home.

How boilers work

Boilers work with a home’s plumbing instead of ducts. Rather than heating air, they heat water, then transfer either steam or hot water through pipes to radiators or radiant flooring systems. There is no forced air in this system.

Boiler Pros Boiler Cons
Many people find the moist heat that boilers produce to be more comfortable. Boiler installation is generally more expensive and labor-intensive.
Boiler systems will not negatively impact your indoor air quality Boilers can take longer to heat your home than furnaces do.
Boilers run more quietly than forced-air systems. Boilers can leak and cause water damage.

Count on TF Complete Heating & Cooling for your heating installation

Whether you need a boiler or furnace installation, the expert technicians at TF Complete Heating & Cooling can handle it. If you require changes to your plumbing or ductwork to accommodate the equipment, we take care of that too. We take care of the most intensive prefabrication in our shop to minimize the disruption to your life. Often, we can have the installation complete in one day.

We stand behind our work and want to be your home comfort partner for the long haul. If you need maintenance or repair services, our team is there to help you. We also offer affordable service plans to ensure your boiler or furnace keeps working at peak performance for years to come!

Do you need a boiler or furnace installed? Let’s start the process right away. Contact TF Complete Heating & Cooling today.

mail Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance visit. If you need an emergency repair, please call our office right away at 508-507-6702, and we will get to your home as soon as we can.