During the winter season, we rely heavily on our heaters. Even people with the best tolerance for cold weather need some form of home heating. If you are considering an upgrade for your heating system, or possibly considering a switch to a different type of heater, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about your options.
Two of the most popular heating systems in the area are boilers and furnaces. While both heat your home, these systems do so in highly different ways. You may find yourself asking which is better, a Glenview boiler vs. furnace. We are happy to tell you everything you need to know.
What You Should Know About Boilers
Boilers work as a part of a radiant heating system. As the name suggests, boilers heat up a supply of water that is pumped through pipes in the home to radiant baseboards or in-floor radiant heating systems. This set-up provides radiant heat throughout the household, which is effective in cold climates like ours.
Radiant heating can be described as feeling like sunshine on a warm day. Plus, if you have sub-floor piping, it feels great to plant your feet onto a warm floor on a cold morning. While the initial installation of a boiler can be more expensive, it may prove less costly over the years thanks to its energy efficiency. What’s more, your boiler can also serve as your water heater.
What You Should Know About Furnaces
While a boiler produces radiant heat, a furnace creates forced-air heat. This type of heating is often described as feeling like a warm breeze throughout the house.
Furnaces operate either by burning natural gas or using electrical resistance to heat up air that is then blown or “forced” through ducts and into the rooms throughout the house. These heaters can be great for anyone who wants a duct-based system since they likely already use ductwork for their AC unit. Pre-existing ductwork can also make the initial installation of this system more affordable.
Furnaces are known for being powerful heating systems and can provide even comfort throughout the house. The downside to these systems is that they run the risk of losing some of their efficiency to duct leaks. Additionally, a gas-powered furnace can prove dangerous if it isn’t taken care of properly because it can develop a gas leak.
Which System Is Better?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on which one you like the most. You decide which of the systems is the best fit for your heating needs based on what fuel options you have, the cost of electricity for your home, and other factors.
Determining which kind of heater is best for your home isn’t always easy. That’s why it helps to have a professional technician to talk to. You can always trust our team members to give you all the information you need and to provide you with expert installations, replacements, and other services.