While both boilers and water heaters provide warm water to the home, there are many important differences between these two appliances. If you’re looking for new HVAC equipment and aren’t sure which option is best for you, the following guide is a great place to start. 

How Does a Boiler Work?

A boiler is a multi-purpose home appliance. Along with heating water for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, it can also provide hot air to the home. Combination boilers effectively heat incoming cold water that can be used for various purposes. Conversely, conventional boilers have a cold water tank where incoming water is stored, while the hot water cylinder holds the heated water from the cold tank.

HVAC professionals recommend having the boiler serviced annualy to prevent unnecessary breakdowns. A boiler needs to be serviced every fall and checked for leaks to prevent major issues from occurring.  

How Do Water Heaters Work?

Unlike boilers, water heaters don’t provide warm air to your home. Conventional water heaters have a tank, which uses gas or electric power to heat up cold water. Once the tank is depleted of heated water, homeowners will need to wait before more is available. The wait time depends on a heater’s size and type. For example, gas tanks holding 80-gallons take about an hour to replenish, while an electric tank of the same size takes about two hours. Tankless heaters instantly heat up water. 

Water heaters often have sediment build-up that can affect the quality of your water and prevent it from reaching a comfortable temperature. Have your hot water tank flushed every six months. If you have issues with hard water in your home you may need to schedule service more frequently. To service a home water heater that only heats domestic hot water (water from the faucets) please call your local plumber.

Whether you’re in search of a new home appliance or need repairs on existing equipment, the right HVAC service is crucial. Robinson Heating & Air Conditioning located in Middletown, OH, offers preventative maintenance agreements that ensure your equipment receives the proper upkeep so it lasts as long as possible. If you’d like to upgrade your home water heating equipment, they also carry products from leading manufacturers, so you can rest assured of the appliances’ excellent quality. Call (800) 397-8975 today to schedule an appointment. If you’d like to learn more about their services, feel free to visit them online. They also offer emergency heating and air service to address urgent matters.