What’s the Difference Between a Water Heater and a Boiler?
Understanding the difference between a water heater and a boiler is crucial for making informed decisions about your home’s heating system. While these two appliances might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and have different functions in your home.
What Does a Water Heater Do?
A water heater is designed to provide hot water for your household needs. Whether you’re taking a shower, doing laundry, or washing dishes, your water heater ensures you have a steady supply of hot water. Most residential water heaters use either electricity or gas to heat the water stored in a tank, ready for use whenever you need it. Some homes also use tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand, providing an energy-efficient option.
How Is a Boiler Different?
A boiler, on the other hand, is typically used to heat your home, though it can also provide hot water. Boilers that provide hot water to taps and faucets and heat your home are referred to as combination or “combi’ boilers. Boilers heat water and distribute it as steam or hot water through a network of pipes to radiators, baseboards, or underfloor heating systems, providing warmth throughout your home. Boilers can be fueled by gas, oil, or electricity, and they are generally more common in older homes or regions with colder climates. While a water heater focuses solely on providing hot water, a boiler is integral to your home’s heating system.
Which One Do You Need?
The choice between a water heater and a boiler depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking to heat water for everyday tasks, a water heater is the way to go. However, if you need a solution that also provides heat for your home, a boiler might be more appropriate.
Expert Heating Services You Can Rely On
Having the best heating system for your home is crucial when temperatures dip low. At CSL Climate Control Company, we understand that choosing the right system for your home in Wheeling, IL, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help with our heating services. Our experienced team is ready to assist when you’re considering installing and new boiler or you need maintenance for your existing system. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation for our boiler services!
