Differences Between a Boiler and a Water Heater

Where would we be without our hot water in Calgary? Some homes use hot water for central heating as well as typical domestic uses like showering, bathing, cooking, and washing clothes.

So, both water heaters and boilers can play central roles in Calgary homes. But what is the difference between the two?

Let’s take a closer look at boilers and water heaters so that you understand what each unit does and what the main options are with hot water in your home.

A boiler is used for heating a home with hot water rather than for other typical domestic uses of hot water. Boilers heat cold water, distributing either water or steam around the home in a radiant heat system. This is an alternative heating system to a furnace for a home in Calgary.

After the water is heated, a pump pushes the hot water or steam throughout a network of pipes to radiators located throughout the home. Some of the benefits of heating a home like this include:

• Quiet and even heating around the home
• Less dry air than with a forced-air furnace heating system
• Sometimes better for allergy sufferers than a forced-air furnace

A water heater heats water for different purposes than a boiler—for showering, washing, cooking, and cleaning.

Traditional water heaters have large tanks that store the heated water and pump it throughout the home whenever hot water is required (a tap opens or an appliance needs the hot water).

While traditional systems provide a consistent supply of hot water while the water in the tank lasts, modern, tankless water heaters heat cold water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. This ensures an almost endless supply of energy-efficient hot water for the home.

A combination boiler (or combi-boiler) combines a furnace with a tankless water heater, addressing both types of hot water requirements in a home in a single unit.

These highly efficient modern units may be a good solution for homes without furnaces that experience hot water heating problems or where homeowners are considering renovations. Over 90 percent efficiency is common with these units, with some reaching as high as 95-98 percent.

A combi-boiler uses a built-in heat exchanger, which burns natural gas and transfers heat to the cold water. It may use a system of baseboard radiators to distribute the heat throughout the home—and also sends potable water to the taps when hot water is required for washing, cooking, etc.

Combi-boilers are more expensive than standard boiler systems or water heaters but provide hot water for all main purposes in the home.

There are several other important differences between boilers and water heaters besides the type and purpose of the hot water they deliver.

In Calgary, furnaces are the most common type of heating system in homes, although boilers are also used. Furnaces are particularly popular due to their ability to provide quick warmth and they are well-suited for homes with existing ductwork.

However, a furnace does not heat water for domestic use like a water heater. Instead, it is used for space heating, utilizing a forced-air heating system most often powered by natural gas in Alberta. Furnaces heat buildings using a system of ductwork that channels heated air into the individual rooms.

• Functionality: A furnace heats air to warm the interior of a building, while a water heater heats water for domestic purposes.
• Operation: Furnaces can operate using natural gas, oil, or electricity to heat air, whereas water heaters typically use gas or electricity to heat water; also, furnaces utilize a heat exchanger and blower system, while water heaters use heating elements or gas burners.
• Installation: Furnaces are installed as part of a home’s HVAC system and use ductwork to distribute heated air throughout the building, while water heaters are standalone appliances that connect directly to a home’s plumbing system.

A furnace cannot be a water heater, as they serve different purposes, operate differently, and rely on different mechanisms to achieve their goals. If you want one system to heat the home and provide potable hot water, consider a combi-boiler.

If you’re in Calgary, our licensed professional plumbers can help you resolve all common plumbing problems. Call Pete the Plumber at (403) 257-1766 to arrange a visit.