[fitch_toc]
Most homes are heated by a boiler or furnace. In Charlottesville, Virginia, heating accounts for nearly half of your family’s residential energy cost, so it’s important to determine which heating option to choose: a boiler or a furnace.
Aren't Boilers and Furnaces Similar?
Boilers and furnaces are heating systems. Both appliances generate heat in a central location before distributing it throughout the house. Both heating systems have three main components:
- Heat Source – The appliance that generates warmth
- Heat Distribution System – The network of pipes or air ducts that conducts warm air
- Control System – The control system, usually a thermostat, that regulates how much heat to distribute
Which appliance will last longer, boiler or furnace?
Furnaces and boilers have about the same life expectancy of 15 to 25 years.
What are the fuel options for boilers and furnaces?
Each can be fueled with natural gas, heating oil, wood, electricity, or other fuel sources.
How Are Boilers and Furnaces Different?
The fundamental difference between a boiler and a furnace is what substance they heat and how they distribute it.
Furnaces heat air and distribute it through ducts until it reaches vents, where it is released into the rooms of your home.
Boilers heat water and distribute it through connected pipes, either as hot water or steam. Hot water passes into baseboard radiators. Steam passes into steam radiators, usually one or more per room.
Which costs more, a boiler or furnace?
Furnaces tend to cost less to purchase but can be more expensive to operate. Boilers are more expensive, but they tend to save you money over the long run because they enable you to heat only the rooms or zones of your house you're using. This is called zone heating.
Which provides better air quality, a boiler or furnace?
Boilers provide better air quality than furnaces. A furnace heats your home with warm air, which also circulates dust, allergens, and other airborne particles throughout each room.
Which is the better option for cold climates, a boiler or furnace?
By now, you may be leaning towards buying a boiler, especially if dust and pollen trigger allergies for family members. Just remember, boilers require a minimum temperature to prevent pipes from freezing, which is an important difference between a boiler and a furnace. Be sure to keep this in mind if you live in an area where temperatures often dip below freezing.
How does heating efficiency compare between a boiler and a furnace?
When comparing the difference between a boiler and a furnace, consider efficiency as well as purchase price. Choosing an efficient heating system can lower your monthly energy costs significantly. For this reason, paying a higher price to purchase an efficient heating system is often a wise investment that can offset paying more upfront.
Whether you're shopping for a boiler or furnace, heating efficiency is easy to compare because it is measured the same way: AFUE. That stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE quantifies how effective the appliance is in converting the energy in its fuel to heat over the course of a typical year. It is shown as a percentage. A perfect score would be 100%.
Heating efficiency varies by age (older appliances tend to be less efficient). Old, low-efficiency systems are in the 56%-70% AFUE range. Mid-efficiency heating systems score 80%-90% AFUE, while high-efficiency heating systems exceed 90% AFUE.
When shopping for high-efficiency furnaces and boilers, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. If you live in a cold climate, consider buying the highest-efficiency system available.
Ask the Charlottesville HVAC Professionals at Fitch Services
Not sure what the best option is for heating your Charlottesville, Va., home? With all the variables to consider, making a decision can be difficult. Whether you’re building a new house or buying a new boiler or furnace for your existing home, a Fitch Services heating professional can walk you through the pros and cons of all your options. Call (434) 296-9980, or use our contact form to schedule a FREE in-home appointment.
Still have questions?
Real Reviews from Your Charlottesville Neighbors
See All ReviewsJulie D. (Charlottesville, VA)I can’t say enough good things!! We had an emergency, no AC during the 113+ heat wave on a Friday holiday afternoon (worst timing!!!). I called multiple companies and only Fitch called me back.
Larry was fantastic!! He kept me informed as to when he anticipated getting to us, and called when on his way, and showed up when he said he would.
He was, again, fantastic! Explained the issue and promptly fixed it. Our house was literally 98 degrees. Everything is running smoothly!
And, for an emergency call late on a Friday afternoon, the cost was incredibly reasonable.
I highly HIGHLY recommend their services. We now have them on speed dial and will absolutely be using them again for our needs, even for other services they offer we have yet to use.
Again, thank you Larry & Fitch Services from us and our pups - for being there when we needed you most and delivering exceptional customer service. 5 stars for sure!
Barbara M. (Charlottesville, VA)I am proud to say I have been a client of Fitch Services since they began. My family has always received courteous and timely service for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical issues. They have installed and maintain a whole house generator. That was a fantastic decision. I use their annual maintenance plans for all of my systems. I personally recommend Fitch Services.
John K. (Charlottesville, VA)I knew of Fitch Services and their technicians via my place of employment. The technician's honest and forthright approach to their work was very much appreciated... They were initially contacted to come to our residence to address a clogged kitchen sink drain line. It was suggested to us we replace the drain line instead of snaking it. When the old drain line was cut out and shown to me, it was amazing anything had gotten through that line! Glad we chose to replace it... We also inquired about replacing/updating all the galvanized supply lines in our home. The scope of the work needed and how it would be done was discussed to make sure we understood... We appreciated the honest assessment of how the project might or would go. While the technicians were on our project, they kept us updated with daily conversations towards the end of their working day. The finished project has been great! We were excited to finally have full flow of the hot water! Fitch is now our 'go to' plumber.
Tom P. (Charlottesville, VA)I've used Fitch for a few years now for both electrical and plumbing work. They are professional and do a great job on things both big and small. Twice we have had pretty huge jobs and they have come in under budget. Plus, the service technicians are friendly and work hard and the office staff communicates very well. Definitely recommend!
Charlottesville Family Favorites Winner
Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite Winner
Best of HomeAdvisor Winner
Elite Service HomeAdvisor Award
Ready to Schedule Service?
Let’s take care of it together.
Submit your request and experience the Fitch difference: a local team who shows up on time, and finishes the job right — often in a single visit.