When you hear the words boiler and water heater, it’s easy to think they are the same thing. To boil water, you need a heat source. In terms of your home heating system, though, these two machines are quite different and serve different purposes. 

What Is a Boiler?

In a home with radiant heat (the kind that comes from radiators), the boiler is the part of the system that creates the steam used for heat. It doesn’t boil the water but instead turns it into the steam that travels through the pipes in the floor and walls to warm your home. When the thermostat falls below the set temperature, water from a cold water storage tank moves into a hot water cylinder, where it’s heated to create steam. The steam then moves through the pipes and returns to the cold water tank so the process can repeat. 

Although boilers can heat a home, they can also be used for hot water and to create electricity when needed. They are available in different styles, such as systems that heat water directly from the home’s water main and do not require a cold water storage tank. 

What is a Water Heater?

As the name implies, a water heater warms water for bathing and cleaning. Unlike boilers, which may serve multiple purposes, water heaters are only designed to make hot water. 

Water heaters typically run on either gas or electricity and store heated water in a tank, so it’s available on demand. The water enters the heater directly from the main and is stored at the desired temperature. The drawback is that a hot water heater tank can only hold so much heated water, so depending on the usage levels, it can run out, and you’ll need to wait for more water to heat up before you can continue using it. Some homeowners have switched to tankless hot water heaters, which don't store water but rather instantly heat it directly from the water main, allowing for an unlimited supply of hot water. 

If your boiler needs maintenance or you need a new water heater installed, contact the experts at Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning. For more than 35 years, they’ve provided expert heating and cooling maintenance, installation, and repair services to homes and businesses in the Loveland, OH, area. Call (513) 683-3714 for regular or emergency assistance or request a free installation estimate. Visit their website to learn more about their range of services.