Should I Install a Boiler or Furnace in My Stafford, VA, Home?

August 06, 2024

Two of the most popular options to heat your home are boiler installation and furnace installation. That said, selecting the right one for a heating specialist to install is important. You have to weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which one is the best for your family. Let’s take a closer look at these two options.

How Each System Works

The first essential thing to know is the difference between how boilers and furnaces heat your house. A boiler uses electricity or natural gas to heat water. Then, the system uses a pump to distribute the warm water through pipes, which radiate heat through your house.

On the other hand, a furnace uses propane, natural gas or electricity to heat air. Then, the system pushes this air through ductwork to create ambient temperature throughout your home.

Pros and Cons of Each

Regardless of which one you choose, there are pros and cons to both. For example, the heat that boilers produce is more comfortable than the heat from furnaces. The reason is that a furnace heats air and blows it into your home. This air is typically dry and can become uncomfortable.

However, boilers are more expensive to install than furnaces. Also, since they use water to heat your home, they can cause severe damage if they ever leak.

In either case, you’ll want to find a unit with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit is and the more money you’ll save on your energy bills. For instance, a unit with an AFUE of 90 means that it turns 90% of the energy that it uses into heat for your home.

Let Total Comfort Help You with Heating Installation

Whether you choose a boiler or furnace, you can count on Total Comfort to help you. Our heating specialists can ensure that the system you choose is installed correctly in time for the cold winter in Stafford, VA. Contact us today to learn more about all the HVAC services that we offer.