Boiler vs Water Heater
For most homeowners who aren’t skilled in plumbing, the Boiler vs Water Heater debate can be confusing, as both systems heat water in the home. While they may seem to perform the same function, a boiler and a water heater serve different purposes and heat water in different ways. Understanding the difference between a boiler vs water heater can help homeowners save time and money when troubleshooting problems or deciding which system best suits their needs.
What is a Boiler?
Boilers don’t necessarily boil the water, but it turns the water into steam. Steam is a cost-effective way to carry heat. It is not only easy to pump throughout a house, but it holds heat better than just air. Boilers hear water up and turns it into steam, pushing it through the home to warm it up.
How does it Work?
In the Boiler vs Water Heater comparison, boilers are primarily used as heating systems rather than for everyday tap water. When installed to heat a home, a boiler relies on the thermostat to signal when to begin heating the water within the system. Most boilers operate on a closed-loop system, meaning they do not constantly draw in new water while distributing steam. Instead, the existing water inside the unit is heated until it turns into steam, which is then circulated through the home to warm the structure.
What is a Water Heater?
Water heaters produce exactly what the name implies, it simply heats water. This water is used to wash your hands, cook, shower and clean. A water heater takes the cold water from the pipes and warms it up. Afterwards, it pumps it throughout the home and once the tap is opened.
How do they Work?
In the Boiler vs Water Heater comparison, water heaters are designed specifically for everyday domestic hot water use. Tank water heaters draw in cold water and heat it using electric elements or a gas burner. Once the desired temperature is reached, the hot water is stored in the tank until a tap is turned on.
Tankless water heaters work differently. Instead of storing hot water, they heat it instantly as it flows through the unit. As soon as the tap is opened and the temperature is set, the system heats the water on demand for as long as it is needed.
When understanding the Boiler vs Water Heater difference, the key distinction lies in their purpose. Water heaters provide hot water for cleaning, cooking, and showering, while boilers are primarily used to heat a home by producing steam or hot water that circulates through a heating system.
