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A boiler heats water to create steam or hot water for radiators and underfloor systems, while a furnace warms air that’s pushed through ductwork. Boilers provide consistent radiant heat and can boost energy efficiency because they don’t rely on blower fans or ducts that leak. Furnaces, on the other hand, tend to heat rooms faster but may produce uneven temperatures if the ductwork isn’t perfectly sealed and balanced.

The difference between water heaters and boilers is that boilers are engineered to heat water for home heating systems, whereas water heaters provide hot water solely for domestic use. Boilers circulate heated water or steam through radiators or underfloor systems, and certain combi-boilers can serve both heating and domestic purposes. In contrast, water heaters are dedicated to supplying potable water for showers, faucets, and appliances, with a design optimized specifically for this task.

A plumber can install a boiler according to local codes, but full installation requires the expertise of certified HVAC technicians. The installation must ensure all fuel connections, wiring, and safety standards are met—especially for gas boilers where a specialized gas plumber secures fuel line connections. This combined professional approach guarantees a safe, efficient, and compliant system installation.

You should replace your boiler when declining efficiency and operational issues compromise its performance. Boilers maintained well perform for about 15 years, and while cast iron units may extend beyond 20 years, diminished energy efficiency and rising utility costs demand replacement. When frequent breakdowns or inconsistent heat output occur, upgrade to a modern, high-efficiency model to ensure reliable and safe home heating.

Replacing your boiler takes between four hours and three days. The process duration is determined by factors such as additional gas line installations and whether the new boiler is replacing an identical system or converting to a new configuration. For installations within the same system, the replacement can be completed in as little as four to six hours, while converting systems requires extra time to ensure proper integration and safety compliance.

You cannot relocate your boiler without incurring significant costs and major system modifications. Boilers are purposefully installed near essential pipes and radiators, so moving them necessitates an extensive reconfiguration of plumbing and heating infrastructure. This disruption leads to increased labor, material expenses, and potential performance issues, making relocation impractical compared to replacing the boiler in its original location.