HVAC Education, Furnaces, Boilers
Boiler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?
Both boilers and furnaces burn fuel to help heat your home, but they do so quite differently. Furnaces - also called forced air furnaces - directly heat the air, which is then pushed throughout your home. Boilers heat water, which is sent as steam through a radiator system.
Comparing Boilers and Furnaces
Furnaces |
Boilers |
|
---|---|---|
Power source | Gas, oil, propane | Gas or oil |
Energy efficiency | AFUE up to 98.5 percent | AFUE rate up to 95 percent |
Distribution | Ducts distribute air to vents | Water or steam is delivered to radiators |
Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Heating | Not available | Available with select models |