Do You Have a Boiler or Furnace? How to Tell & When to Upgrade
As a New Hampshire homeowner, you might depend on an oil-fired heating system to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the fall and winter. Both boilers and furnaces can run on oil, but do you know what type of system you have in your home? Read this blog from Clean Oil Heat NH to learn more.
The Differences Between Boilers and Furnaces
While both furnaces and boilers can keep homes comfortable effectively and efficiently, these heating systems have some key differences you should be aware of.
Boilers
An oil-fired boiler uses heating oil to heat water and make steam. That hot water circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor pipes to heat the building. A boiler usually looks like a rectangular or square metal box with pipes leading away from it. It’s likely to be situated near the water heater.
Furnaces
An oil-fired furnace uses heating oil to warm air, which is then circulated through ducts by a blower fan, resulting in forced hot air. A furnace looks more like a metal cabinet with ducts branching out of the top or sides.
When to Upgrade Your Heating System
If your heating system is more than 15 years old, you can save anywhere from 30% to 50% by upgrading to new, energy-efficient equipment. Check out the list below to see if your heating system would benefit from a replacement. Contact your local HVAC provider if you notice any of these symptoms with your furnace or boiler:
- Increased fuel usage with no changes to your routine
- Foreign sounds or odors
- Uneven heating from room to room
- Repairs needed frequently
Benefits of High-Efficiency Heating Systems
Investing in a high-efficiency oil boiler or furnace will deliver significant benefits for years to come, such as:
- Savings on annual heating costs
- Extended equipment lifespan
- Improved operating efficiency and safety
- Lower emissions
- Reduced risk of mid-season breakdowns
- Increased home value
Related Post: What Is High-Efficiency Heating Equipment?
Learn More on CleanOilHeatNH.com
Modern advancements in oil heating systems deliver superior fuel efficiency, significantly reducing energy waste and lowering heating costs. Visit CleanOilHeatNH.com to learn more about the benefits of heating with heating oil in New Hampshire.