Blog

Oil Furnaces Vs. Oil Boilers

Date: January 17, 2022

What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

furnaces and boilers massachusettsMost people refer to their heating oil system as “a furnace.” As in, “I need to get my furnace repaired.” But there is another type of oil heating system that may be keeping you warm right now–except it gets much less name recognition. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I need to get my boiler repaired??

In other words, your heating oil system can either be a furnace or a boiler. Both of these heating units will keep you warm, but there is some information you should know that may come in handy if a problem arises. If it’s something minor, you may be able to correct it yourself. And if you need to discuss something with a heating oil service technician, you will at least have a working knowledge of how your heating system operates.

How a Furnace Works

A furnace refers to the heating unit in a warm air, or forced air, system. After the air is heated in the furnace, a blower forces it through ducts. The warm air is then released through vents or registers in your home.

How a Boiler Works

If you have a hot water (hydronic) system, water circulates around your boiler’s combustion chamber. A circulator pumps the hot water through pipes to heat baseboards or radiators. Eventually, the water returns to the unit to begin the cycle again. If you have a steam system, the boiler turns the water into steam, which then rises through pipes to radiators.

Read more about furnaces and boilers.

Tips for Your Oil Furnace

Tips for Your Oil Boiler

General Heating System Tips

Improve Heating Efficiency in Your Home

If you think it’s time to replace your old furnace or boiler, please contact your heating oil company about your options. Today’s oil boilers and oil furnaces offer homeowners a great opportunity to increase their comfort while decreasing their energy usage.

New systems now heat your home using significantly less energy compared to older generation equipment. Energy-efficient equipment can be installed with controls to use only as much fuel as needed to heat your home or a specific part of your home.

If you want to take advantage of today’s energy-efficient heating oil systems, your heating oil service company can work with you to design a new heating system that fits your Massachusetts home and your budget. Contact your local company this spring to get an estimate on the cost to replace your boiler or furnace.