difference between boiler and furnace
â¢ Purpose: â¢ Both furnace and boiler are used to maintain heat inside the house. â¢ Boiler, as the name implies, boils water and uses the heat of the water or steam to keep the home warm. â¢ On the other hand, a furnace heats up the air and send this hot air through pipes throughout the home to keep it warm.
Furnaces and boilers represent the two largest categories of heating systems used for houses and for buildings in general. The main difference between these two heating appliances is what they heat: Furnaces heat air that is distributed by a ductwork system. Boilers heat water that is used in different hydronic heating systems. So-called combi-boilers are designed to supply hot water for washing as well as for whole-house heating. Furnaces and boilers usually burn gas, propane or fuel oil. Less frequently, you'll find units that burn wood, pellet fuel or coal.