6 Benefits of Gas Furnaces vs. Boiler Systems

If your home currently relies on a boiler system to provide heat, you may wonder if a gas furnace would prove better in terms of either cost or comfort.

The answer is that it depends. Each system has advantages and disadvantages, and what’s best for your neighbor across the street may not be best for you.

Take a look at this quick-reference comparison of boilers and furnaces.

Heat Distribution

• Boiler
  Radiant heating (steam) that requires a separate cooling system
• Furnace
  Forced air heating that is often combined with central air

Cost

• Boiler
  Higher upfront cost
• Furnace
  Lower upfront cost

Ductwork

• Boiler
  No
• Furnace
  Yes, anywhere heat is wanted

Radiators

• Boiler
  Yes, anywhere heat is wanted
• Furnace
  No

Water/Steam Piping

• Boiler
  Yes
• Furnace
  No

Indoor Air Quality

• Boiler
  Doesn’t circulate airborne pollutants
• Furnace
  Circulates airborne pollutants through a filter

After reviewing these comparisons, many homeowners find themselves looking harder at furnaces if only due to their ability to work in tandem with central air conditioning. If you are among them, consider these benefits in more detail.

More on Comparative Benefits

1. Fuel Versatility

Furnaces can be powered by natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or electricity. Newer systems can also use solar and geothermal energy sources, significantly reducing energy costs. In comparison, boilers primarily use natural gas, propane, or fuel oil; some use electricity or wood pellets.

2. Affordability

Furnaces are less expensive to purchase than boilers. This is partly because there are so many configurations to choose from, and more manufacturers are competing in the marketplace. Due to how furnaces operate, they are also more cost-effective than boilers to install and maintain over time.

3. Installation

A complete boiler installation usually takes several days, which increases labor costs and overall installation expenses. On the other hand, furnaces can be installed in a few hours if you already have the ductwork and vents for central air conditioning.

4. Energy Efficiency

Boilers traditionally held the edge over furnaces in terms of energy efficiency. However, that has changed with the advent of high-efficiency furnaces. Additionally, due to the ability of furnaces to heat homes faster than boilers, their thermostats can be turned down further when you know you’ll be away for hours or days at a time.

5. Air Quality

Boilers kick up much fewer allergens, dust, and debris than furnaces because they don’t use forced air. This gives boilers the edge on indoor air quality. However, you can dramatically lessen the quantity of circulating air pollutants in furnace systems through high-quality air filters and regular maintenance tune-ups.

6. Extreme Temperatures

In areas like ours that regularly experience extreme temperatures, boiler liquid can freeze and cause blocked or burst pipes. Since they rely on air alone, furnaces don’t have this problem.

Serving the Denver Metro Area for Over 20 Years

In the market for a new furnace? Indoor Air Quality, Inc. has served Highlands Ranch and the Denver Metro Area since 2001. We proudly offer high-quality Rheem furnaces. Check out our customer testimonials, then contact us, or use our online contact form for more information and a free quote.