FURNACE VERSUS BOILER: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR HOME?

September 11, 2023

Share this article

Keeping your Huntingdon Valley home and office heated during the winter is important. At the same time, you want the most energy-efficient heating option available. Both furnaces and boilers are forced-air heating systems. They work to maintain a uniform temperature in your house or office by heating the air in a centralized location and then distributing that air through your building via a series of ductwork. The following are some factors to consider when determining which system is right for you.

Furnace Basics

A central gas heating system creates a cycle that heats cooler air within a home. Initially, burning propane or natural gas in the furnace’s burner generates heat. This heat then travels through a heat exchanger, elevating its temperature. Subsequently, air from the house’s ductwork is propelled across the heat exchanger, warming the air. The furnace’s blower forcefully propels the heated air into the supply ductwork, effectively distributing it throughout the residence.

Furnace Pros and Cons

Price

Furnaces are more commonly used in the United States than boilers. They’re less expensive, with the average furnace costing around $3,500. That said, boilers operate more efficiently, meaning they’ll cost less to operate in the long run.

No Freezing Hazard

Since a furnace doesn’t have water inside the system, there’s nothing to freeze if the power goes out. If the power goes out and you use a boiler to heat the home, the pipes can freeze and burst if exposed to freezing temperatures for too long.

Ease of Repair and Installation

Technicians can usually install a furnace in a couple of hours. On the other hand, it can take days to install a boiler. Furnace repair is usually easier and less expensive. That being said, it’s important to contact the technicians at AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule routine maintenance of your furnace. This will extend its lifespan and minimize repairs.

Furnace Cons

Reduced Efficiency

furnace uses fuel faster than a boiler because it’s less efficient to heat air than water. This can lead to an increase in energy costs.

Noise

Modern furnaces are designed to run quieter than their predecessors. However, the furnace blows air through vents, which can still create noticeable noise. This is especially true when the unit activates or when it deactivates.

Inconsistent Heating

Heat delivered via a forced-air system isn’t always as consistent as heat provided by a boiler. Some parts of the home, depending on the relation to the vents and other factors, can be hotter or colder than others. Furnaces also produce dry air, which could impact the respiratory systems of some people living in your household.

Boiler Basics

This heating system works by heating water and sending it through pipes and radiators using boilers fueled by gas or oil. Heated water or steam moves through the pipes to reach radiators in different parts of your house, releasing warmth into the rooms. Once it cools down, the water returns to the boiler, restarting the process to maintain a consistent heat supply. This cycle continues to ensure your home or office stays warm and comfortable.

Boiler Pros

Consistent Heat Flow

Boilers give steady heat. They evenly distribute the heat throughout the home. You can add additional heating zones as well. A boiler system improves the control of where the heat gets distributed in a building.

Quieter

Boilers heat water instead of air, making them quieter than a furnace. If you have a boiler making a lot of noise, it could indicate that it needs maintenance or repair.

Reduced Maintenance

All appliances require maintenance. However, since a boiler doesn’t have filters to clean or change, it’s a low-maintenance part of an HVAC system. Having your boiler checked every year by a trained technician is a good idea.

Improved Air Quality

Boilers are a good heating option if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies. Since the system uses water to heat the air, it doesn’t harbor dust and allergens like a furnace.

Boiler Cons

Increased Initial Expense

A boiler’s upfront cost can be much more expensive than a furnace. High-efficiency units can run up to $10,000, including installation. However, hot water boilers are more efficient than a furnace, meaning that they’ll cost less to operate over time.

Slower Reaction Times

A boiler will take longer to react to a change to the thermostat. If you activate a boiler or increase or decrease the temperature, it will take longer for the boiler to kick on, shut off, or change temperature.

Potential Leak Hazard

A leak in a boiler system can lead to expensive property damage. The best way to minimize leaks is to have your boiler inspected by a trained professional each year.

The Best HVAC Team in Huntingdon Valley

AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning has served our area’s residents for over three decades. We’re proud of our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and the fact that we’ve been recognized with the Super Service Award from Angi eight years in a row.


Our services include HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We also install water heaters and boilers, perform indoor air quality tests, and install heat pumps and home generators. Contact AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today to work with a company that prioritizes the well-being of our customers.




Recent Posts

A couple consults with a service technician near an air conditioning unit outside.
October 6, 2025
Winters in Huntingdon Valley, PA often bring below-freezing temperatures, crisp winds, and moderate snow. When the mercury plummets, having a functional furnace is important. Your heating system keeps your pipes from freezing and protects your household from hypothermia, frostnip, and other cold-related illnesses. Fortunately, you can prevent dangerous mid-winter breakdowns with fall furnace maintenance. Read on to find out how.
Two men examining a furnace in a utility closet. One gestures, explaining the unit.
September 2, 2025
Before the cold winter season sets in, it’s vital to properly prepare your home for seasonal changes. While pulling out your snow shovels and adding more blankets to your couch are helpful, one thing you never want to forget to prep is your heating system. Below, we’ll discuss the key steps every homeowner must take to have a well-functioning, efficient furnace by the time winter blows in.
August 6, 2025
UV lighting technology has a surprising number of applications in HVAC systems. You can install UV lights in ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, among others. A special variant known as UV-C light has the handy effect of neutralizing pathogens that linger throughout conventional HVAC setups. At AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in UV light HVAC installations for homeowners and businesses in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Read on to learn about all the surprising benefits that emerge when you incorporate UV lighting into your HVAC system.
July 2, 2025
You might think changing the air filter on the HVAC is only important for air quality. But the truth is, the filter impacts the system’s energy efficiency and overall performance in several ways. Forgetting to change the filter every so often will do much more than increase dust buildup and allergy flare-ups. Let’s break down how clean filters boost your HVAC system’s performance and help it last longer.
June 16, 2025
Air conditioning is the biggest expense for many homeowners during the summer months. The fact that air conditioning can be so costly means you should always take some steps to ensure your AC continues working efficiently and to try and limit the amount of work it has to do.
May 3, 2025
The most significant early sign of spring in Huntingdon Valley, PA, is the rise in temperature. As the days get warmer, you want to stay comfortable in your home. That is when your attention will turn to your home’s air conditioning. It has probably been several months since you last turned on the AC. If you have lingering concerns with your system from the last time you turned it on, now is the time to replace your AC before summer hits and those rising temperatures become a real problem. The following are some important reasons you need to consider replacing your air conditioner before summer hits.
April 2, 2025
Your HVAC system is vital for keeping your family comfortable throughout the year. HVAC systems have many components and require regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently. Although it costs money to schedule annual HVAC maintenance, it can save you long-term. AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning in Huntingdon Valley, PA wants you to understand the benefits of seeking routine HVAC maintenance and how it can save you money in the long-term.
March 1, 2025
The weather in Huntingdon Valley, PA tends to experience some pretty high temperatures in the summer. Having a properly functioning cooling system is key to staying comfortable and keeping your cooling costs affordable. There are several things you can do in the spring to ensure the AC performs optimally throughout the whole summer.
February 3, 2025
The winter season can be tough. Colder temperatures and snow can be challenging enough, but closed indoor conditions can make it difficult to breathe and trigger allergic reactions. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality this winter.
January 2, 2025
Pennsylvania’s weather is temperamental, and since the state has quite an elevation difference, winters can be brutal. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your HVAC system can handle the cold winter’s demands. Without proper preparations for the winter, energy costs can be higher, especially if a part of your HVAC system malfunctions.
Show More