A water heater and a boiler both heat water, but their purpose in your home is different. One is solely responsible for heating the water you use, while the other warms your home. Here’s how they work.

Boilers

A boiler efficiently heats your home by pushing hot water or steam through a series of radiators in a closed system. Older-style boilers bring water to a full boil, while newer models warm the water to slightly below the boiling point. Boilers can also be used for heated floors, radiant wall panels, and baseboard radiators. Although this type of HVAC system heats water, plumbers aren’t involved; if you experience boiler problems, you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician for repairs.

Water Heaters

Water heaters have one job: to heat the water you use throughout the house. For example, it warms the water for showers, loads of laundry, dishwashing, and more.

There are two main types: tank and tankless. A tank heater works by warming water in the tank to the proper temperature and then storing it for later use. When you use some of the hot water, the tank fills back up and repeats the warming process.

The tankless version works on demand, heating water as you use it, so it is considered to be more energy-efficient than the tank version. Both tank and tankless water heaters can run on electricity or gas, and they fall under the purview of a plumber.

If you need a new water heater, contact the team at Bernie Buchner, Inc., in La Crosse, WI. With more than 60 years of experience, this locally owned business can handle all of your plumbing needs. They even have a 24/7 emergency plumbing line. They offer gas, tankless, and electric water heater options. Visit their website to learn more, and call (608) 784-9000 to schedule an appointment. Text JOIN to (608) 480-8709 to receive text message updates.