What is the difference between a boiler and a water heater, and can they be used together?

• <div><p>No, boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different primary functions. Boilers are used for central heating systems, providing hot water or steam to heat your home. In contrast, a water heater's purpose is to supply hot water for daily household use, such as for faucets and showers. A water heater alone cannot supply the warm water or steam needed for a central heating system.</p><p>While they are not interchangeable, it is common to have both a boiler and a water heater. In fact, a conventional boiler often works best when a water heater system is already in place. The two systems can be combined to provide both heating and hot water, either by pairing a boiler with an indirect water heater or by installing a premade combination boiler-water heater unit. For home heating, some homeowners may also opt for a furnace instead of a boiler.</p></div>

Is ventilation necessary for water heaters?

• <div><p>Not all <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters.htm">types of water heaters</a> require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation. </p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Steuben, ME

Q: Is it hard to replace an electric water heater?

• <div><p>Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-install-water-yourself.htm">you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself</a>. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater?

• <div><p>You don&rsquo;t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At <b>$150 to $450</b>, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-water-heater-installation-cost.htm">cost of hot water tanks</a> themselves, which average about $1,190.</p></div>

Q: What is the proper way to vent a gas water heater?

• <div><p>The right way to vent a gas water heater is to have a pipe directly upward or slopes upward out of the house. Because hot air naturally rises, this type of venting will efficiently ensure that all gas moves out of the house. Your system may rely on fans or blowers as well.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Steuben, ME

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Steuben, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Heater Service companies in Steuben, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

Last update on December 02, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
4.9 (29) Rate and Review on Google Reviews All project9 crew7 prices6 design4 +6 Sort by Most relevant Newest Highest Lowest Matt 2 reviews·10 photos 6 days ago New Went with archadeck because they had a good rating. This company subcontracts out work to builders without doing any research....
Archadeck of Central Maine
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Reviewed in June 2020
There is the plumber for whom pipes are a way to get from here to there. And there is a master plumber who thinks and cares about the job, who goes home at night and thinks about the nature of the problem and how best to fix it. I’ll take THAT plumber and that is what I got with Ken Lamothe...
Spearpoint Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in July 2016
Juan was very personable. He was right on time. He kept the area clean and stayed busy the whole time. We had some water damage near the bottom of the floor, so he cut out a few sections, replaced them, float and tape, put new base boards and painted the room. This room was a half bath....
CACHUN PAINTING LLC
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Reviewed in July 2016
Juan was very personable. He was right on time. He kept the area clean and stayed busy the whole time. We had some water damage near the bottom of the floor, so he cut out a few sections, replaced them, float and tape, put new base boards and painted the room. This room was a half bath....
Cachun Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2013
I called the driller and got a good "gut feeling" about the contractor. He quoted for the drilled well, but would not guarantee water, but only drilled by the foot. <br /> He drilled 420' and only had a dry hole. Hydrofractured twice and got two good breaks giving me 8 gallons a minute of...
Shannon Well Drilling
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Reviewed in October 2012
The installation process progressed very well. Randy Sprague carefully reviewed my requirements with me and recommended a gas and an oil system that would satisfy my requirements. I chose the gas system because it was the most efficient, quiet and compact. However, it was also the most expensive...
Randy Sprague Heating & Plbg
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Reviewed in August 2012
They were the most responsive in giving me the quote. It is called as a waste water disposal system. They were prompt, clear, fair and professional. Based on the earlier experience and his quote I may use him.
HAROLD MAC QUINN INC
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Reviewed in May 2011
Stated = 1 job of replastering and painting. He was very detailed cleaned up; doesn't bother anyone - always on time - very professional, we now use him in the spring and fall for about 4 weeks each time - (we have an OLD 1878 house on the water and was so pleased with his variety of skills,...
TREVINO CUSTOM DRYWALL & PAINTING, INC.
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Find Water heater pros in Steuben

Baker Electric and Sons

4.1(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or ServiceWater Heater - Repair or Service - For Business+5 more

Serving Steuben, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. \nIt is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. \nIn order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer \nin a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. \n$100.00 Service Fee.

Response time2 days

Response rate91%

75 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Steuben, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Steuben, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Woke up on a Tuesday morning, just happened to go downstairs to get some dog food. Squish, squish under my feet! Open the garage door, water everywhere with a hole in the side of my water heater, water pouring out! Turned off water, grabbed my phone and texted Richard at NE Renovations (this was before 7:30 in the morning). Got an immediate reply saying they could be there later that same morning, and told me what to do in the meantime. Jim (a wonderful plummer at NE Renovations), called around to find the water heater we needed, as it vents outside. By mid-afternoon, we were back up and running. Jim even helped clean up some of the water in the garage! I've written about these guys before and continue to have only great experiences. I only talked to them by phone that day and once again, trusted them to enter my home while the rest of us were at work. Pretty much no interruption to a busy day. I don't think that could have happened with another provider. These guys are top notch and really know their stuff. Couldn't recommend them more highly!"

+37

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

No, boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different primary functions. Boilers are used for central heating systems, providing hot water or steam to heat your home. In contrast, a water heater's purpose is to supply hot water for daily household use, such as for faucets and showers. A water heater alone cannot supply the warm water or steam needed for a central heating system.

While they are not interchangeable, it is common to have both a boiler and a water heater. In fact, a conventional boiler often works best when a water heater system is already in place. The two systems can be combined to provide both heating and hot water, either by pairing a boiler with an indirect water heater or by installing a premade combination boiler-water heater unit. For home heating, some homeowners may also opt for a furnace instead of a boiler.

Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.

Not all types of water heaters require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation.

You don’t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At $150 to $450, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the cost of hot water tanks themselves, which average about $1,190.

The right way to vent a gas water heater is to have a pipe directly upward or slopes upward out of the house. Because hot air naturally rises, this type of venting will efficiently ensure that all gas moves out of the house. Your system may rely on fans or blowers as well.

The Steuben, ME homeowners’ guide to water heater services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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