Know the Difference: Boilers vs. Water Heaters

What is a Boiler?

Boilers are common, if not essential, for commercial applications. Apartment buildings, swimming pools, hotels, schools, hospitals, and more all use boilers.

Boilers heat water as needed for household hot water needs, but they can also heat water and force it through the home to give off heat for a central heating system.

The benefits of having a boiler:

• Economical to operate

• 10 to 15 years lifespan if maintained

• Great for multi-tenant residential with high hot water use

• Parts subject to wear can be replaced

Boilers can run into problems as well. Some of the most common ones are:

• No heat or hot water due to broken parts

• Leaks and drips (there can be many causes)

• Banging, whistling, and gurgling, which are likely caused by low water pressure

• The pilot light can go out

What is a Water Heater?

Cold water comes in via a pipe at the bottom of the tank, gets heated to an average of 110-120F using gas or electricity, and then is pumped out via a pipe in the top of the unit as needed.

Advantages to having a hot water heater:

• They allow for continuous, high-demand usage

• They cost less up-front

• Certain models allow you to control them with an app

Some disadvantages include:

• Sediment can build up and affect the flow of water coming from your tap

• Bacteria in the tank can cause a bad odor

• Water heaters have many ports that can leak water

• 5 years average lifespan

Let us help you find the best water heating equipment for your needs.

Call us today at 714-999-1177 or email service@prostarmechanical.com