Which is the Better Firewood Furnace?

If you've been looking for a home furnace versus boiler, there are some things to think about before you buy. Let's look at the pros and cons of both types of furnaces and decide which one is right for your needs.

Boiler: A boiler is a gas-fired appliance that heats water and creates steam that is directed into a furnace to be reheated again. The most common form of these is the central heating boiler which burns gas, oil or coal and is sometimes referred to as an 'all in one' system. The main advantage of a boiler is that they can produce very high efficiency as well as provide sufficient hot water to all the household requirements and are often cheaper than a portable system.

There are two different types of boilers. Gas boilers and electric boilers use electricity to create heat. The disadvantage of the latter is that it requires more energy to operate as opposed to the former which will result in higher running costs. Electric boilers are also more susceptible to damage due to electrical shocks, but the efficiency of these systems is often offset against the more expensive cost of installation.

Combustion: A furnace is a gas-fired unit that burns fuel, which is either coal oil or gas. The main advantage of a furnace is the low running cost of operation, which is offset by the high efficiency that they have. This is particularly useful where space is limited, and the fuel is cheap and readily available.

The disadvantage is that the fuel costs can be very high as compared to electricity and other sources of power. The combustion of fuel also takes a long time and can be a little messy, with large amounts of ash being produced. Some people also dislike the noise of a furnace, although this can be reduced through the installation of air filters.

Both furnace versus boiler types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide, it would be a good idea to check out some online research and find out which one would work best for you.

Gas-Burning: These are usually small and compact units, which are not as efficient as their electric counterparts. They are less reliable than the latter and the venting system that you need to install is also much bigger and heavier. You will also have to invest in a venting fan.

Electricity: These are larger units which are also relatively cheaper to run. As well as being bigger, they are also more energy efficient. You also do not have to invest in a venting fan.

The choice between the two is down to personal preferences and what you feel you require from your home. If you want to reduce your expenditure on running costs and are concerned about reliability, then the gas-burning boiler is probably going to be better for you. However if you prefer to heat your home quickly and want to save money, then the electric furnace may be for you.