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>

Are hybrid water heaters noisy?

• <div><p>Yes, hybrid water heaters can be noisy — noisier than traditional water heaters. The sound they produce is often compared to the hum of a dishwasher. Its noise comes from the heat pump’s fan and compressor as they work to pull in and compress the air. While it’s not totally disruptive, especially if the unit is installed in less frequented areas, like a basement or garage, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise or if the unit will be placed near bedrooms or living spaces.</p></div>

Do hot water heaters use a lot of electricity?

• <div><p>Electric water heaters use a high amount of electricity, so they’re best for homeowners who subsidize their electric bill with solar or who live in an area with inexpensive electricity. For others, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/gas-vs-electric-water-heaters.htm">gas water heaters versus electric water heaters</a> may be the more cost-effective solution, with the added bonus of heating water quickly and efficiently. No matter which you choose, you can lower your water temperature as low as possible to keep costs down.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Backus, MN

Q: Can I run a 30-amp water heater on a 40-amp breaker?

• <div><p>Yes, this would be an appropriate choice. In order to comply with the National Electric Code&rsquo;s rules, you'll need to install a circuit breaker that's 125% larger than the intended load. In this case, you'll multiply 30 amps by 1.25 to find the necessary breaker size. Plugging that equation in for your 30-amp water heater will leave you with a 37.6-amp breaker. If your current <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/water-heater-keeps-tripping-breaker.htm">water heater keeps tripping the breaker</a>, it might be time to talk to a plumber or electrician about upgrading your water heater's setup.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to vent a gas water heater out of the wall or roof?

• <div><p>Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you&rsquo;re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.</p></div>

Q: Are hybrid water heaters noisy?

• <div><p>Yes, hybrid water heaters can be noisy &mdash; noisier than traditional water heaters. The sound they produce is often compared to the hum of a dishwasher. Its noise comes from the heat pump&rsquo;s fan and compressor as they work to pull in and compress the air. While it&rsquo;s not totally disruptive, especially if the unit is installed in less frequented areas, like a basement or garage, it&rsquo;s something to keep in mind if you&rsquo;re sensitive to noise or if the unit will be placed near bedrooms or living spaces.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Backus, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Backus, MN 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 Backus, MN 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 October 09, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Just and FYI if you are thinking of calling any company to do work on your property DO NOT call North Country Construction LLC out of Pequot Lakes MN. Owner of company if Jayden Cadias.We had him install a kitchen floor which cost $9300 and the tiles are separating. We made him aware of this,...
North Country Construction LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's...
Steamboat Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2024
We had a house fire and needed the condenser moved to the new house. They were working on it in a couple days, way sooner than expected. Very professional and good at what they do. This is my second time having them work on my ac/heating, will call them for all my needs in the future.
Lake Shore Heating and Cooling, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Justin was on time and very friendly respected our home cleaned up after job was done and made sure we knew how to use the water softener before he left
Range Water Conditioning
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Reviewed in December 2021
Swenson Electric does great work. The electricians are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Swenson Electric
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Reviewed in September 2021
Same day service to replace water heater;Professional .friendly,and timely.
Water Heaters Now, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
They work very well with the customer and help you determine what the needs you have of your pool service
Sunburst Pool Maintenance and Repair
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Reviewed in July 2018
Despite assurances from owner and son that their paint finish on cabinets would not come off even if kitchen used frequently and wiped down regularly, paint has peeled, worn thin, and chipped off even in areas that are not used. Owner repainted some of the cabinet doors first year, but did not...
Crow Wing Cabinets
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Reviewed in December 2017
Jim was very prompt, fit us in quickly to his schedule. Price for installing water softener was very reasonable compared to other quotes we had received. We would definitely use him again!
Finken, Inc.
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Find Water heater pros in Backus

Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

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

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Paul did excellent work on replacing our pressure tank. Also, redid plumbing pipes by water heater."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

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

Serving Backus, MN 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

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+3 more

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's plumbing system for the fall, allowing me to video record the process. Luke's clear explanations, patience, and personal touch made the experience seamless. His dedication to customers is impressive. I appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about his background and family, which added a nice touch to the service. I highly recommend Steamboat Plumbing and Luke Ewert for exceptional service, expertise, and customer care. I will definitely use Steamboat Plumbing again in the future!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Lakes Area Water Works

4.8(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+5 more

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%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.

Yes, this would be an appropriate choice. In order to comply with the National Electric Code’s rules, you'll need to install a circuit breaker that's 125% larger than the intended load. In this case, you'll multiply 30 amps by 1.25 to find the necessary breaker size. Plugging that equation in for your 30-amp water heater will leave you with a 37.6-amp breaker. If your current water heater keeps tripping the breaker, it might be time to talk to a plumber or electrician about upgrading your water heater's setup.

Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you’re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.

Yes, hybrid water heaters can be noisy — noisier than traditional water heaters. The sound they produce is often compared to the hum of a dishwasher. Its noise comes from the heat pump’s fan and compressor as they work to pull in and compress the air. While it’s not totally disruptive, especially if the unit is installed in less frequented areas, like a basement or garage, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise or if the unit will be placed near bedrooms or living spaces.

Electric water heaters use a high amount of electricity, so they’re best for homeowners who subsidize their electric bill with solar or who live in an area with inexpensive electricity. For others, gas water heaters versus electric water heaters may be the more cost-effective solution, with the added bonus of heating water quickly and efficiently. No matter which you choose, you can lower your water temperature as low as possible to keep costs down.

The Backus, MN homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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