Boiler Vs. Water Heater: The Difference in How They Work

Choosing the right heating system makes it easier to keep your multi-unit property at a comfortable temperature for your residents. It can also reduce energy expenses.

Among the most common options are boilers and water heaters, each serving an important purpose but working in different ways. Boilers heat water and provide warmth to your home, while water heaters focus solely on providing hot water for household use.

This article compares boilers vs water heaters, helping you understand how each type of system works and which might be the best fit for your properties.

What is a Boiler?

A boiler is a heating system that works by heating water or producing steam for home heating. Unlike a water heater, which only heats water for taps and appliances, a boiler can provide hot water and space heating.

Boilers are common in colder climates to keep homes warm, circulating heat through radiators or in-floor heating systems.

How It Works

Boilers work by heating water to a high temperature or to the point where it turns into steam. The heated water or steam then moves through a network of pipes to radiators or under-floor heating systems.

These radiators or pipes release heat into the rooms, warming the building. A thermostat controls the temperature, creating a consistent and comfortable environment. Boilers can run on various fuels like natural gas, oil, or electricity.

Types of Boilers

• Combi Boilers: Combine heating for water and space in a single unit, making them compact and efficient.
• System Boilers: Store hot water in a tank but can also heat the home, making them ideal for larger households or multifamily buildings.
• Conventional Boilers: Use a water storage tank and a heating system, providing hot water and heating independently.

Overall, boilers are versatile systems that can meet your hot water and heating needs.

What is a Water Heater?

A water heater is an appliance that heats water specifically for household use, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. While a boiler can also heat your home, a water heater’s sole function is to provide hot water on demand for various domestic purposes.

It is a common fixture in most homes and ensures a steady hot water supply when needed.

How It Works

Water heaters heat cold water and then distribute it through pipes to faucets, showers, and appliances. The two main heating methods are tank and tankless systems, although more energy-efficient options are also appearing.

Types of Water Heaters

• Tank Water Heaters: The most common type, ideal for consistent hot water supply in large households. They store a large volume of water in a tank, keeping it heated and ready for use at any time.
• Tankless Water Heaters: These are more energy-efficient as they heat water only when needed. The units heat water on demand as it passes through the system, so there’s no need for a storage tank. This process saves energy by only heating water when required.
• Solar Water Heaters: These units collect solar energy from the sun to heat water, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option over time.

Water heaters are vital for daily household functions, providing an efficient way to deliver hot water when and where you need it.

Boiler vs. Water Heater: Key Differences

Learning about the differences between a boiler and a water heater can help you choose the right system for your home or multifamily property. Although both heat water, their functions and how they operate vary significantly.

Heating Process

The primary difference between the two devices is how they heat and use hot water.

A boiler heats water to produce either hot water or steam, which then moves through pipes to radiators or in-floor heating systems to provide warmth for your home. Some boilers also create hot water for household use.

In contrast, a water heater focuses solely on heating water for consumption, such as showers, dishwashing, and other household tasks. It doesn’t contribute to heating your living space.

Efficiency

Modern boilers are typically more energy-efficient, especially condensing boilers that reuse heat from exhaust gases to heat the water. The result is significant energy savings, especially in colder climates.

Water heaters have also become more efficient, with tankless models heating water on demand, preventing energy waste from maintaining a full hot water tank.

However, boilers are generally more efficient when it comes to space heating, while tankless water heaters excel in water heating efficiency.

Size and Installation

Boilers are typically larger, with more complex installation requirements, as you might need to integrate them with radiators or in-floor heating systems. They also require proper ventilation if powered by gas.

Water heaters, especially tankless models, are more compact and easier to install, usually requiring less space and fewer modifications to the home. Tank water heaters, while larger than tankless versions, are still generally smaller than boilers.

Learning these differences can help property owners and managers make informed decisions based on their heating needs, energy efficiency goals, and available space.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance Requirements

Both boilers and water heaters require regular maintenance to continue operating and avoid breakdowns. Boilers tend to need more frequent servicing due to their complex systems that involve radiators or in-floor heating. You’ll need to complete tasks like checking for leaks, flushing the system, and inspecting the pressure on a regular basis.

Water heaters, especially tankless models, have more straightforward maintenance needs. Regular flushing to remove mineral buildup and inspecting the anode rod (for tank water heaters) is usually enough. Water heaters are generally easier and cost less to maintain than boilers.

Lifespan

A well-maintained boiler can last 20 or more years, while water heaters usually have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters can last for 20 years or more if you properly care for them.

Regular servicing and preventative maintenance, such as flushing and part replacements, can extend the life of both systems, ensuring they run efficiently for years to come.

Take Care of Your Heating System

Call Calray Boilers Today

No matter the type of heating system you have in the properties you manage, proper maintenance is vital. Take the time to get a professional on the job to minimize the problems you experience in the future.

Calray Boilers is available to handle all your boiler maintenance needs. Call us at 212.722.5506 or book your water heater or boiler maintenance visit online.