The reason your furnace isn’t working? Because it’s a boiler.
Okay, your heating system isn’t actually broken because you’ve been calling it by the wrong name. We’ll go ahead and leave the technical diagnoses to our trained HVAC technicians. But let’s be honest – furnaces and boilers have been confused with each other for as long as they’ve existed. Whether you’re new to your home or have lived there for twenty years, figuring out exactly how each system in your house operates can be overwhelming.
Understanding whether you have a furnace or boiler can help you communicate more effectively with service professionals, troubleshoot minor issues and support you in making more informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades.
Furnaces and boilers are both HVAC systems that use oil, natural gas or propane to create and distribute heat throughout a home (or other types of buildings). To the untrained eye, these systems may seem interchangeable, but the way they distribute heat throughout your home is completely different.
A furnace, also known as a forced hot air system, generates heat and circulates warm air throughout your home using ducts and vents. You’ll typically notice grates in your floors, walls or ceilings where heated air blows out when the system is running.
Because furnaces heat and move air through ductwork, they are often paired with central air conditioning systems for cooling. However, it’s important to note that not all homes with furnaces have central air conditioning.
A boiler heats water to create either hot water or steam, which is then distributed through pipes to heat your home. If your home has radiators or baseboard heating, you most likely have a boiler rather than a furnace.
Some boilers, known as combination boilers (combi-boilers), function as a home’s water heater, supplying hot water to sinks, showers and other appliances in addition to heating the home. Not having a water heater is another signal your home is likely heated by a boiler rather than a furnace.
The fundamental difference between the two heating systems is how they distribute heat. Furnaces circulate warm air, while boilers circulate hot water or steam.
At Jay Moody HVAC we believe an informed homeowner is an empowered homeowner! Understanding the type of HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems in your home helps you make confident, well-informed decisions about maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
Knowing whether you have a furnace or boiler also helps you communicate more effectively with HVAC professionals when scheduling service, ensuring the right technicians arrive equipped with the proper tools to address your system’s specific needs. Plus, understanding your system makes it easier to plan for efficiency upgrades!
No matter the type of system you have, regular preventatative maintenance is key to keeping your home running smoothly. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about your system and how to best care for it.
And remember, if you ever have questions or need expert service, Jay Moody HVAC is here to help!
Whether you’re looking for reliable HVAC, electrical or plumbing services,
we’re here to help!
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