When it comes to ensuring comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your house, selecting the right heating system is essential. Furnaces and boilers are the two basic categories of heating systems that you can choose for your home. But what makes them different?

Read ahead as we explore all the important features of boilers and furnaces, including their advantages and disadvantages, maintenance needs, and variables affecting cost and energy efficiency.

Boiler vs furnace: How They Work

Boilers

Boilers heat water or generate steam, which is then distributed through pipes to radiators, baseboard radiators, or radiant floor systems in your home. The living spaces are heated consistently and comfortably by the hot water or steam radiating warmth. Natural gas, oil, electricity, or even wood pellets can all be used to power boilers.

Even distribution of heat is ensured by the network of pipes that carry the heated water or steam, which is released through different kinds of radiators or heating systems. Since it is dependable and comfortable, this heating system is frequently used in colder climates.

Furnaces

Using a system of ducts and vents, furnaces heat air and distribute it throughout your house. Fuel (natural gas, oil, propane) burning or electrical use to produce hot air. After the furnace heats air, it is next forced through the ducting and into different rooms by a blower. Since furnaces heat rooms quickly, they are a common option in areas where temperatures can decrease abruptly. A practical answer for year-round climate management, they are frequently paired with central air conditioning systems or heat pumps as needed.

Boiler vs Furnace: How efficient are they?

Generally speaking, boiler systems’ energy efficiency ratings are higher than those of furnaces. Boilers can have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of anything from 80% to 98.5%. Condensing technology in high-efficiency models captures and recycles heat from exhaust gasses, therefore increasing efficiency even more. Boilers are more efficient in part because water is a superior heat transmission medium than air. Accordingly, boilers can heat a house efficiently even at lower temperatures.

Ranges for AFUE ratings of furnaces are 56% to 98.5%. Though they might be highly efficient, contemporary high-efficiency furnaces frequently lose heat through the ducting. Electric furnaces can be as efficient as 100% at the moment of use, but overall their cost of operation may be higher. The state and layout of the ductwork can also have an impact on a furnace’s performance since leaking or badly insulated ducts can lose a lot of heat.

Glen RGlen R
17:46 07 Sep 24
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Chris EllettChris Ellett
13:28 06 Sep 24
I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business again
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02:20 05 Sep 24
Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.
SamiurSamiur
20:24 04 Sep 24
Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.
Charles KabanoCharles Kabano
19:12 01 Sep 24
Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!
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Vic DePazVic DePaz
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Marcelina HumeMarcelina Hume
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We recently had a heat pump installed by Comfort Union and couldn't be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the completed job, the team was outstanding. They provided personalized recommendations and were mindful of our budget. I highly recommend Comfort Union to anyone seeking efficient and detail-oriented service.Thank you for your exceptional customer service and competitive rates!
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00:07 06 Jul 24
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06:24 01 Jul 24
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Shabeeb RizviShabeeb Rizvi
06:23 01 Jul 24
I recently had a Gree heat pump and Carrier furnace installation by Comfort Union, and I'm really happy with the results. The Gree heat pump is very quiet and the Carrier furnace works great.I highly recommend Comfort Union for HVAC work in Calgary. Their expertise and dedication are impressive. Good work!
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00:44 01 Jul 24
Juan GuerreroJuan Guerrero
14:56 28 Jun 24
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19:41 22 Jun 24
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00:08 21 Jun 24
"5/5 stars! I'm highly impressed by the exceptional service I received from Comfort Union on a weekend! As a family of plumbers, engineers, and soldiers, they brought a unique combination of skills and discipline to the job, replacing my water heater tank with complete satisfaction and professionalism. Their expertise, efficiency, and courtesy were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Comfort Union for any plumbing needs. Thank you for a job exceptionally well done!"
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How easy are they to install and maintain?

The intricacy of the pipe infrastructure makes boiler installations often more expensive. To guarantee effective operation, they also need routine care, including yearly expert tune-ups. Typically, though, they have fewer moving components, which over time may translate into fewer repairs.

Checking the heat exchanger for its working condition, looking over the chimney and vent connection line, and making sure the water and pressure levels are within the advised ranges are all common parts of boiler maintenance.

On average, furnace installation is less expensive and takes less time, particularly in houses with air conditioning ducting already installed. Maintenance includes yearly inspections and monthly or quarterly filter changes.

More moving parts, such as blowers and electronic controls, in a furnace, could need more regular repairs. In addition to testing for carbon monoxide (CO) and adjusting the blower control and supply-air temperature, routine maintenance for furnaces includes inspecting the combustion chamber for cracks.

Comfort and Air Quality

Consistent, radiant heat from boilers is sometimes more comfortable than forced warm air from furnaces. Better quality indoor air results from their lack of air blowing, which prevents dust and allergens from being circulated. Furthermore, radiant heat can feel more uniform and less drafty with a boiler. Since a boiler heats without circulating forced air, they’re a great option for homes with people suffering from allergies or people who are sensitive to airborne particles.

Quick to heat a house, furnaces are frequently combined with central air conditioning systems to provide year-round climate management. They may, however, cause people with allergies problems because they can spread dust and allergens through the air. Additionally, in certain places, the forced air can produce drafts and inconsistent heating. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, furnaces have the benefit of integrating with air conditioning systems to provide a whole HVAC solution.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • More energy-efficient

  • Consistent and comfortable heat

  • Better indoor air quality

  • Quieter operation

  • Radiant heat can be used for both space heating and domestic hot water

Cons

  • Higher initial installation cost

  • Slower to heat up a space

  • Potential for water leaks, which can cause damage

  • A more complex installation process requiring a network of pipes

Pros:

  • Lower initial cost

  • Quick heating

  • Easier to install in homes with existing ductwork

  • They can be paired with central air conditioning

  • Wide availability and variety of models

Cons:

  • Less energy-efficient

  • Can circulate dust and allergens

  • Noisier operation

  • Potential for uneven heating and drafts

  • Regular maintenance is required to change air filters and ensure optimal performance

Cost Considerations

In general, boilers cost more upfront than furnace installation does. This is because the piping system is so complicated and extra parts like radiators or radiant floor heating systems are required. Contrarily, furnace installation is usually less expensive, particularly if the house already has air conditioning ducting.

Boiler Installation costs range from CAD 3,200 to CAD 9,000 and can easily go up to CAD 19,000 based on the location you live in. On the other hand, furnaces cost CAD 2,900 to CAD 6,400, which is much less than a boiler.

Fuel type, energy efficiency, and house size are just a few of the variables that affect boiler and furnace operating expenses. Since boilers are more efficient, over time they might provide reduced running expenses even though they are more expensive to install. On the other hand, since they depend on forced air systems and may lose heat through ducting, furnaces may be less expensive initially but can cost more to run.

Lifespan and Durability

Long lifespans and durability are well-known features of boilers. A traditional cast iron water boiler can last for twenty years or longer with the right care. Since a boiler system has fewer moving parts, there is less that may go wrong, which extends its lifespan.

Given proper maintenance, furnaces usually last between 15 and 20 years. Though a furnace’s reliance on moving components like blowers and computerized controls can result in more frequent failures and repairs than a boiler, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs can help extend its life.

How to make the right choice?

Budget: A furnace can be the wiser option if you’re trying to save money upfront. A boiler might be the best option, though, if you’re prepared to pay more upfront for comfort and long-term efficiency.

Setup of your Home: Installation of a furnace may be simpler and less expensive if your house already has air conditioning ducting. A boiler could be a more sensible option in houses without any ductwork already installed.

Energy Efficiency:Higher energy efficiency offered by boilers can eventually result in lower running expenses. Though the state of the ducting may have an impact on their efficiency, furnaces can also be quite efficient.

Maintenance: To run effectively and safely, both systems need routine maintenance. Because boilers typically have few moving components, over time there may be lesser maintenance needed. To run at their best, furnaces need routine maintenance and filter changes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your particular requirements, budgetary limitations, and home layout will determine which of the two to choose—a boiler or a furnace. While furnaces heat quickly and can be more affordable upfront, boilers give comfort, energy efficiency, and improved air quality.

For the best heating option for your house, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each system and speak with a qualified HVAC specialist, such as those at Comfort Union.

Contact us for additional information about expert boiler installation and furnace services and understanding high-efficiency heating systems. We can assist you in selecting and installing the best system to maintain year-round comfort in your house.

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