When you are a homeowner for the first time or never had to service the heating system before because it was the landlord’s responsibility, you may have some questions regarding the type of heating in your home and what the options might be for replacement. There are two different types of heating systems; a furnace or a boiler; although some may think they are one in the same. At this time, we at Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning would like to share the differences of the two systems. Understanding the basics can help you determine which system is being used in your home, the maintenance involved, and which is the most optimal fit for your home should the heating system ever need replacing.
Forced Air Furnace Heating System
A forced air heating system is a gas furnace. As a result, this method utilizes the home’s ductwork, which is the metal tubes, known as ducts that circulate the air from the AC and heating systems to the vents to disperse the cool or warm air throughout the home. Typically the furnace is installed in a concealed location such as the attic space or crawlspace where it is connected to the blower fan that AC utilizes as well. There are electric and natural gas fueled furnaces. Gas furnaces ignite a burner where heat moves from them and through the heat exchanger. The air from your home is sucked in by the blower fan and moves the air across the heat exchanger, delivering warm air.
Benefits of a High Efficiency Gas Furnace
There are a few major advantages to using the furnace, which is the most common heating system used.
1) Installation of a furnace is more cost effective.
2) When a home is already designed for a furnace, complete with air ducts, the furnace takes up less space than a boiler.
3) When properly sized and adequately installed, the furnace is a highly efficient method to heat a home.
Boiler Heating Systems
Boilers work considerably different than a furnace. Gas burners heat a large tank of water instead of the air like a furnace’s gas burner; this is referenced as hydronic heating. A term known as radiant heating is the heat exchange process that warms your house. There are 2 ways for heat to be distributed through your home with a boiler. The first method is when the under-floor pipes heat up the floors; as it then heats the objects and people in a room. The second method is when heat comes from endpoints installed throughout the home like radiators and baseboard heaters.
Advantages of Boiler Heating
Those who have experienced a forced-air heating system, or the furnace, say that utilizing the high-efficiency boiler installation will never use a furnace again. Advantages include the following:
1) Fewer moving parts are required to generate heat, with a highly-efficient boiler, requiring less frequent repairs in comparison to the furnace.
2) Even with less maintenance, a quality boiler tank has a longer lifespan than other heating systems.
3) Many considered heat transfer from radiant heating is more comfortable than forced-air heating.
Central Forced Air Heating Repairs & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
No matter which system you prefer to use in your home, your professional can offer their insight to the pros and cons of each heating system. Keep in mind however; they require professional inspections and maintenance to get the most efficiency, longer lifespan, and overall condition. Call Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning today for any heating system service including installation, replacement, maintenance, and inspections.