For decades, TF Complete Heating & Cooling has taken care of families throughout Bristol, Worcester, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Over the years, we’ve worked on heating equipment of every type and size, and we’ve seen New England’s home heating systems change quite a bit along the way. Still, two types remain among the most common and dependable: boiler and furnace systems.
In this blog, we’ll break down what sets these systems apart and how you can figure out which one is keeping your home warm.
Boilers rely on hot water or steam to heat your home. Water is heated inside the boiler, then circulated through a network of pipes to radiators or baseboard heaters in each room. Once the water has released its warmth into your living space, it returns to the boiler to be reheated and sent out again.
Because hydronic systems circulate heated water rather than air, they can provide steady, even heat and tend to operate quietly.
Furnaces are the driving force behind forced-air heating. Air is drawn into the furnace and heated, then a blower fan pushes that warm air through a system of ducts, delivering it to each room through floor or wall vents and registers.
Furnaces can heat a home quickly, though the blower fan may generate some noise while it’s running.
Figuring out your system type doesn’t take much detective work. You just need to look around your rooms. Radiators or baseboard heaters usually point to a boiler system, while floor or wall vents and registers typically indicate a furnace system.
You can also check your basement or utility room. Boilers have visible pipes running out to different parts of the house. Furnaces are connected to large, rectangular ductwork.
Routine care keeps your system running efficiently and helps you avoid unexpected repair bills. Each system type calls for its own kind of attention.
Furnace owners should check air filters regularly throughout the heating season to keep air flowing properly. Keep vents and registers free of obstructions and clean them as needed. It’s also a good idea to have ductwork inspected if you notice airflow problems, excessive dust, or other issues.
Boiler owners have their own checklist. Keep radiators and baseboards clear so heat can distribute properly, watch for signs of leaks or pressure problems, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Steam boiler maintenance requirements can differ from those of hot-water boilers, so ask a qualified technician what your specific system needs.
No matter which system warms your home, a few habits apply across the board: keep the area around your equipment clean and free of flammable materials, and test your system before the coldest months arrive so you can catch problems early.
Our team is made up of home comfort experts who know boiler and furnace systems inside and out. Whether you need a repair, preventive maintenance to keep your equipment running smoothly, or you’re ready to upgrade to a higher-efficiency model, we’re ready to help.
Contact TF Complete Heating & Cooling today to request service or ask for a free estimate on a new boiler or furnace installation.
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.