Do you know the difference between the most common heating systems? If you’re in the market for a new home heating unit, it’s critical to know what’s what. Take a look at the difference between a gas furnace, an oil furnace, and a boiler to help you know which is best for your home.
Gas Furnace
The most common furnace type uses natural gas as fuel. When the thermostat registers a temperature change, the gas passes over a pilot light to engage the burners, which then heat the air blown through vents and into the rooms of your home. Natural gas is a safe, efficient, and readily available fuel that makes it easy and convenient to heat your home.
Oil Furnace
Where a gas furnace burns natural gas, an oil furnace burns fuel oil. Natural gas connects to your home through a line provided by a utility company. With an oil furnace, you must purchase and store the oil in a tank on your property for burning as needed to heat your home. The drawback is that you must keep track of your oil and reorder before you run out or risk going without heat.
Boiler Heat
A boiler differs from a furnace in that it uses hot water to heat your home. It works by heating water to between 145° and 190° and then sending it to radiators throughout your house using a special pump. The radiators get warm and heat the rooms they’re in. Most boilers run using electricity, natural gas, or oil.
The heating system you choose can often depend on your home and the type of energy or fuel available for your heating system. It can also depend on whether you have ducts available for venting. Still not sure what’s best? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Contact the HVAC professionals at G+S Heating and Air for expert advice to help you choose the right heating system for your home.
