Difference Between a Water Heater, Furnace, and Boiler

Winter is approaching in Inglewood, which means that home heating systems across the region will be put to the test. While freezing temperatures are less common in Southern California as compared to some other parts of the country, we still rely heavily on our heating systems to keep our homes comfortable.

Many homes in the area – particularly older ones – are equipped with aging heating systems. It’s a good idea to get acquainted with your home’s heating systems so that you’re not stuck with a surprise furnace repair job or, worse, an emergency furnace repair job. But, if you do find yourself in a situation with a non-functioning heater, you can take comfort knowing that furnace repair services are readily available in the area.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the three main heating systems commonly used in homes. In addition, we’ll discuss what to watch out for as far as signs that you may need furnace repair service in the near future.

Water Heaters

The reason we bring up water heaters is to clarify the important distinction between a heating system that is connected to your home’s air ducts and one that isn’t. A water heater, which is connected to your home’s plumbing system, belongs in the latter category. This means that most water heater issues will require the attention of a plumber – and in some cases an electrician – but not an HVAC technician or furnace repair service.

If you’re seeing leakage from your water heater, hearing any unusual noises, or smelling any foul odors, it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible. The good news is that, in most cases, a water heater issue will not affect any other heating systems in your home.

Furnaces

On the opposite end of the spectrum from water heaters are furnaces, which may be connected to either a natural gas or LP plumbing and function solely to create hot air that circulates through your ducts. Most furnaces are connected to a thermostat which can be adjusted manually or preset. To generate heat, a pilot light or electric ignition switch will ignite a burner. A blower will then force the hot air through ducts and into the various rooms of the home. If the thermostat is functioning correctly, the system will shut off automatically once the desired temperature has been reached. A furnace should not be confused with its totally electric counterpart, known as a heat pump.

Signs that your furnace may be in need of repair or replacement may not be obvious right away. The first thing to check is the age of the system; a well-maintained furnace may have a service life of 10-20 years. If you’re seeing energy bills go up or noticing rooms heating unevenly, those may also be signs that your furnace is not functioning as it should. If you find yourself in that situation, please contact us at American AC Heat Plumbing.

Heating system in house. Gas boiler, radiator, electric boiler, gas meter, water meter, pump, control equipment and pipes. Basement room in home with furnace on wall. Modern mounted tank. Vector.

Boilers

A boiler is a versatile apparatus that may be used to heat both the water and the air inside your home, thereby doing the jobs of a furnace and a water heater. Boilers often resemble large versions of water heaters, turned lengthwise rather than upright. As their name would suggest, they produce heat by boiling water, which in turn generates water or steam heat that circulates throughout the home through pipes connected to radiators or special radiant heat pipes that run under the floors. The water is circulated back into the boiler to be reheated in a cycle that continues until the system is turned off.

The aforementioned warning signs for water heater issues generally apply to boilers as well. Just remember to call an HVAC technician first for boiler repair, not a plumber. When placing the call, you’ll also want to be clear on whether you’ve got a furnace or a boiler. Most techs will be trained to deal with either, but being specific will ensure that they arrive with the right tools to deal with the issue.

Conclusion

Staying warm in Inglewood is important. At the end of the day, we all look forward to a warm home and a hot shower. Keep your household happy by getting ahead of any issues and alerting your local plumber or furnace repair service. If you have any questions or concerns about your home’s heating system, call American AC Heat Plumbing  today at 1-800-321-9494 or online at www.AmericanAirconditioning.com