Get matched with top boiler installation pros in Turner, ME

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.

In some cases, conversion kits are available, but not all boilers are compatible. Conversion may require significant modifications and should only be performed by a qualified professional. Before making a decision, compare conversion costs to the cost of a complete replacement to determine the most cost-effective and reliable option for your home.

A home radiator works by using radiation and convection to transfer heat throughout your home. Electric radiators use metal to conduct heat and warm the air, which then rises to warm the room. Steam and hot water radiators work with a boiler and piping system to pump thermal energy throughout the home. Hot water radiators use a boiler to heat the water before circulating it to the radiator, while steam heating radiator systems convert the heated water to steam before circulating it out. When the water or steam cools, it travels back to the boiler to be heated again.

If you hear your radiator clanking even when it’s turned off, it’s typically because there’s trapped water or air in the system, causing a pressure buildup. When you hear significant clanking, popping, crackling, or banging in a radiator that’s turned off, you’ll want to bleed the pipes or call in an HVAC specialist to deal with the problem (and prevent it from happening in the future).