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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Harbinger, NC

Q: What are the advantages of replacing a water heater?

• <div><p>Replacing facilitates energy savings, decreases repair frequency, and aligns with modern safety regulations, maximizing safety.</p></div>

Q: Are tankless water heaters better than traditional water heaters?

• <div><p>There are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-pros-and-cons-tankless-water-heaters.htm">pros and cons to tankless water heaters</a>. They are more efficient than traditional tank water heaters, and maintenance costs are lower. These units are also much more compact. On the other hand, they cost about twice as much to install as traditional tank water heaters and are more limited in terms of flow rate. </p></div>

Q: How heavy is a water heater?

• <div><p>An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though&mdash;tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.</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 Harbinger, NC

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Harbinger, NC 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 Harbinger, NC 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 January 08, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
Abdul and Cyrus replaced by gas water heater swiftly and expertly. The shut off valves also needed to be replaced, as well as some other parts. They were patient, kind, informative, and kept everything very clean during the entire service call. To add to my nightmare, the main water shut off...
2020 Drain Clean & Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
I am an out of state condo owner. My tenant called when water heater broke, it was memorial day weekend. I had no idea what to do. Pipeworx was recommended on home advisor. I called and received prompt ,courteous service. The area where the heater was was small so he had to get a second one...
PipeWorx
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Reviewed in March 2021
Tidewater Pro Air is amazing at everything they do! Quality work, phenomenal customer service and fair prices make them #1 in my book. Not only did they replace our hvac system, they fixed a problem with our tankless hot water heater. I cannot recommend Tidewater Pro Air enough - they are...
Tidewater Pro Air
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Reviewed in March 2021
Mike came in with in very short time, assessed the situation, did the prep work and replaced leaking heater. Wow. We were back in order within two hours. Highly Professional and with a personal touch - - he called back the next day to see if all was ok. We appreciated meeting and working with...
McGee and Sons, The Gentleman Plumber
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Reviewed in February 2021
They had no one that would come out to repair my system. Outside air temp. was 35 degrees and inside my home was 58 degrees. Had to get my neighbor to repair my heat system. This company led me on for two days. They said I could use their reimbursement program. They have gotten some one out in...
Choice Home Warranty
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Reviewed in October 2020
Needed a new water heater installed ASAP. They came the same day and within 2 hours we were read to go. Would definitely use them again.
All-State Plumbing
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Reviewed in March 2020
Went beyond the plumbing fix and fixed the water-damaged cabinet itself.
Bear Mechanical, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2019
Excellent. I contacted the company on several occasions. First I needed a new water heater, and a smaller capacity water heater was recommended instead of a much more expensive higher capacity. Works great and no issues with water demand. Then I had some issues with exterior faucets, and they...
R Blivens Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2019
I arrived at my vacation house and found the hot water heater not working. As I arrived on the Christmas holiday weekend and had guests arriving I was concerned about the repair. I called Absolute Plumbing (I have used them in the past). I received an immediate call back from Sara. She arranged...
Absolute Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in December 2018
Installed a new shower after removing old jacuzzi tub. Also made repairs to hidden water damaged floor. Excellent work with no delays. Highly Recommended.
Ohana Plumbing and Home Repair
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Find Water heater pros in Harbinger

Russell's American Mechanical

4.7(

1,072

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - RepairTankless Water Heater - Install

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pro advised that an electric tankless water heater was not the best route to go for my home. American Mechanical Installed a new 50 gallon water heater instead."

60 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by94%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt reply, great work, set up an appointment and arrived on time. Worked to update plumbing to support the new water heater. I would highly recommend them."

Response time1 day

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Still waiting for parts after 7 days. TOMORROW IS A WEEK.. We have no water heater. My wife recently had surgery and needs higene.can we replace the water heater???? PLEASE"

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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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 Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Lockhart plumbing & drain cleaning

4.0(

)

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

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

We are a local plumbing company service if the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We are a smallChristian, family oriented, company rooted in the community dedicated to providing quantity affordable services.

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Solar Tek Energy of North Carolina, Inc.

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

SolarTEK Energy of North Carolina is one of the largest solar integration companies in the Eastern United States and has been helping to make solar energy a reality in American homes since 1992

+17

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Wilsons Home Improvements

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Wilsons Home Improvements is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. 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.

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Handyman

New to Angi

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

Serving Harbinger, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our commitment to quality is evident from the beginning to the completion of your home improvement project. We will add beauty and value to your home. We are dedicated and we offer the most top quality work. You can be assured you're in good hands with Christopher working on your project. Call him today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you\n

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Replacing facilitates energy savings, decreases repair frequency, and aligns with modern safety regulations, maximizing safety.

There are pros and cons to tankless water heaters. They are more efficient than traditional tank water heaters, and maintenance costs are lower. These units are also much more compact. On the other hand, they cost about twice as much to install as traditional tank water heaters and are more limited in terms of flow rate.

An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though—tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.

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.

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.

The Harbinger, NC 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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How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
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