![\"boiler-residential\"](\"https:\/\/www.firstchoiceheat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/boiler-residential-225x300.jpg\")
The fall is the most popular period for replacing old heating systems or arranging for a new heating installation. People are usually thinking hard about the coming winter, and the weather is still warm enough that they can go without heat for the short period necessary to have the new heating system installation done.<\/p>\n
There are many types of residential heaters, but there tend to be two major ones that people find themselves deciding between: the furnace and the boiler. These are the most common types of residential (and commercial) heating systems. They work in different fashions, and both have their own advantages. Let\u2019s take a look at these advantages to help you get a better sense of the continual debate: \u201cInstall a furnace or a boiler?\u201d<\/p>\n
Furnaces<\/a> are found in more homes than any other type of heater. There are a number of reasons for this, but probably the biggest one is that furnaces\u2014particularly gas furnaces\u2014have tremendous heating output. Furnaces are also flexible: there\u2019s a furnace for pretty much any type of home (provided it has space for ducts) and they are easy to combine with a central AC for a complete heating and cooling system. Furnaces come in many sizes and can work with a variety of energy sources. They also are less expensive to install than boilers.<\/p>\n A boiler<\/a> is a good option for homes that don\u2019t use a ventilation system. These homes usually lack a central AC and instead rely on window units. Boilers don\u2019t require a ventilation system because they don\u2019t heat up air and move it around via ducts. Instead, they heat up water and then send the water through pipes to various terminal points, such as baseboard heaters and radiators. These points turn hot, and heat radiates into the space from them.<\/p>\n Boilers use less energy than furnaces because water is a better heat transference medium than air. Less energy is lost when the boiler is running and spaces are heated up faster. Boilers also help to lower the amount of dust and debris moving around a house because they don\u2019t use ducts\u2014and ducts collect large amounts of airborne contaminants.<\/p>\n If you already have a ventilation system and previously used a furnace, it\u2019s probably best to stay with a furnace and continue to use the ductwork. For a new house, you may wish to consider going with a boiler to enjoy energy savings and improved air quality. However, the best choice is something that needs a professional to help you with. There\u2019s no simple answer, and every home has different needs.<\/p>\nWhy Install a Boiler?<\/h3>\n
So what\u2019s the right choice?<\/h3>\n