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Boilers, furnaces and heat pumps are all heating systems. Their key difference is how they heat your home. If you're choosing between the three, you may want to consider which is:

• The most energy-efficient solution
• The most cost-effective option
• The one that works with your home layout

A boiler heats your home by using water. The hot water is circulated through the heat exchanger in your boiler, which warms radiators and baseboards to provide warmth. 

A furnace heats your home with hot air. The heat is created within an internal chamber and is then filtered through your home's ductwork. It is then released through vents and registers to increase the temperature of your house.

Heat pumps are slightly different. Unlike the boiler and furnace, heat pumps do not create warmth. Heat pumps transfer heat via refrigerant. They then move or “pump” the heat to other parts in the home via forced air. Heat pumps can run in reverse, making these systems capable of both heating and cooling your home.

Boilers

Boilers operate by heating water within a tank using gas, oil or coal. Either the steam or the heated water then warms the rest of your home through a system of radiators.

The main benefits of using a boiler to heat your home include:

• Low maintenance
• Quieter heating option
• Steady heat
• No dust via ductwork air circulation

How Long Do Boilers Last?

A boiler's life expectancy is around 15 to 20 years. If it's been well maintained and serviced regularly, it may last even longer. However, if you begin to notice that your boiler needs repairs more frequently, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan, and it may be more cost-effective to consider a replacement.

How Often Should Your Boiler Be Serviced?

You should schedule maintenance for your boiler at least once a year. This is so that small problems do not escalate and become larger issues that require replacement.

Furnaces

Furnaces rely on electricity, oil, natural gas or propane to create heat via combustion. The furnace uses a heat exchanger to heat air that is circulated throughout your home through the ductwork.

The main benefits of furnace heating include:

• Cheaper initial costs than other heating options
• Fast heating
• Multiple fuel source options
• Energy efficiency

How Long Do Furnaces Last?

Furnaces last an average of 15 years, with some lasting longer with proper maintenance and care.

How Often Should Your Furnace Be Serviced?

Furnaces should be maintained at least once a year before heating season.

Heap Pumps

Heat pumps are unique on this list because they do not create heat, they transfer it from indoors or outdoors (depending on the mode). This method of temperature control is energy efficient in part because it doesn’t need to burn fuel to generate heat. 

Heat pumps can be used to both warm and cool your home, which makes them a cost-effective solution for those who want to replace their air conditioning and heating systems with a single unit.

Benefits of using a heat pump include:

• Cost efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Heating and cooling ability
• Low maintenance
• Safer than heating options that rely on fuel and combustion

Heat pumps are effective at maintaining indoor temperatures, but because they don’t burn fuel to directly heat forced air, it doesn’t offer the same type of blast of hot air one might experience from a furnace.

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

Heat pumps last an average of 10 to 15 years, putting them essentially in line with most furnaces and air conditioners. 

How Often Should Your Heat Pump Be Serviced?

A professional technician should look at your heat pump between one to two times a year. If you use your heat pump as your primary source of heating and cooling year-round, it may be a good idea to have it inspected in the fall and spring. Maintenance helps ensure potential problems are caught before they result in breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently.

HVAC Repair and Installation Services in Northwest and Northeast Washington D.C., Northern VA, Alexandria and Arlington

Are you looking for professional services for your heating and cooling systems? Look no further than Home Air Services, trusted HVAC technicians since 1953. We provide professional heat pump services, furnace installation and boiler installation to DMV residents as well as 24/7 emergency repair services.