Posted: September 21, 2026
In everyday conversation, you might use the words “boiler” and “furnace” interchangeably. Chatting with a friend about your heating system, that may not matter. But if you’re building a new home, shopping for one, or replacing your current heating equipment, it’s important to understand the difference.
While both provide reliable heat, they distribute that heat in different ways. A furnace heats air and uses ductwork to circulate it throughout your home. A boiler heats water to create hot water or steam, which then delivers heat through baseboard radiators, traditional radiators, or radiant flooring. Boilers remain a popular choice throughout the Northeast, where homeowners appreciate their ability to provide even, consistent warmth.
The main thing to know is that if you already have one type of system, changing to a different system—such as from a boiler to a furnace—is a major undertaking. If a new boiler system is in your future, here’s what you need to know to find the best option for your home and budget.
There are two common types of boiler systems. Forced hot water boilers heat water and circulate it through pipes throughout the house. Baseboards, radiators, or radiant flooring then transfer that heat into your living spaces.
Steam boilers heat water until it becomes steam, which travels through pipes to radiators. As the steam releases its heat, it condenses back into water and returns to the boiler to be heated again.
Both systems can provide steady, comfortable heat without relying on forced-air ductwork.
Radiant floor heating warms surfaces and people in the room rather than relying primarily on heated air circulating through the space. Heat moves upward from tubing or heating elements installed beneath the floor, creating an even distribution of warmth.
One of the biggest comfort benefits is that floors themselves feel warmer underfoot, which can be especially appealing during a New Hampshire winter.
Radiant heating can also reduce some of the drafts and temperature swings associated with forced-air systems. Because there are no supply vents blowing heated air into a room, heat can feel more even from one area to another.
Still, radiant heating systems aren’t perfect for every home. They can be more expensive and disruptive to install as a retrofit because the heating components are located beneath the flooring. Depending on the system and flooring materials, installation may also raise the finished floor height and affect doors, thresholds, or adjoining rooms.
Because much of the system is located under the floor, accessing certain components for repairs can also be more involved than servicing traditional baseboard or radiator systems.
How you heat your home has a big impact on your comfort. It can also make a meaningful difference in what you spend each month to stay comfortable. That’s a lot to think about if you’re planning a renovation or building or buying a new home.
When it comes to heating your New Hampshire home, a boiler can be an excellent choice. We’ll help you find the right model for your home, budget, and comfort needs, answer your questions, and explain your options. If a furnace makes more sense for your home, we’ll explain why.
Once you’ve made your decision, you can count on the experts at Davis to install your equipment properly, helping you enjoy reliable comfort for years to come—and dependable fuel delivery to keep your system running.
Helping you keep your home warm and comfortable is our biggest priority. Contact us today for more information.
