When your heating system breaks down, an HVAC contractor will walk you through equipment options. Depending on your property, budget, and fuel preferences, you'll likely wind up choosing between a boiler or furnace. If you're curious about how these two devices work and what's right for you, here's a helpful guide.

Boilers

A boiler is a closed container filled with water that's boiled to produce steam. This vapor is then pushed through a circulator pump, a system of pipes, and radiators to distribute warmth to various living spaces. The boiling process can be fueled by heating oil, propane, or gas.

HVAC contractors typically recommend boilers to customers looking for efficient heating devices that require less fuel. These devices also offer noiseless operation, heat consistency, and excellent air quality since boilers force vapor instead of air through pipes and radiators.

Furnaces

A furnace relies on circulating air rather than heating water into vapor to generate and distribute heat. To warm living spaces, cool air is forced through a heat exchanger and distributed into living spaces through a series of air ducts. This device can be fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil.

HVAC contractors will advise you to get a furnace when you're looking for rapid heating and a competitive price point since there's a wide range of brands and models on the market. Since furnaces don't rely on pipes or water, this device is also less likely to leak and there's no freezing hazard during the winter.

If you're looking for an HVAC contractor who can help you decide between a boiler or furnace, Thomaston Oil is the ideal resource. Since 1986, this fully licensed company has served clients throughout Connecticut, providing heating oil delivery and top-notch HVAC maintenance when you need it most. To schedule a free estimate, call today at (860) 283-4878. For more information on their 24/7 emergency services and convenient financing plans, visit their website.