Boiler vs Gas Furnace: An Expert Guide

Are you considering a boiler vs gas furnace? We can help you cut through the clutter and make a smart investment.

Our expert guide breaks down the key differences between the two systems. Read on for insider insights on the pros and cons of each, including essential information on the costs, installation, energy efficiencies, and maintenance requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Boilers offer dependable heating and hot water.
• Gas furnaces provide good space heating but no hot water.
• Both systems cost an average of £3,700, including installation.
• Boiler running costs vary based on the fuel used.
• Gas furnace running costs can be under £1,000.
• Gas furnaces need more hands-on maintenance.

Boiler Vs Gas Furnace – Which Is Better?

Boilers are generally better than gas furnaces at providing space heating. Gas furnaces heat air, which is a less effective heat transfer medium than water.

Let’s explore the key features of these two heating systems, as well as their benefits and workings.

Boilers

Boilers heat water using a heat exchanger. The exchanger transfers heat from burning fuel (like gas or oil) to water. The heated water is then circulated throughout your property via radiators, underfloor heating or hot water pipes.

Boilers use the following fuel sources:

• Gas
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
• Oil
• Electricity
• Biomass fuels like wood pellets and chips

How energy efficient are boilers?

• Modern boilers have efficiency ratings of 92%
• Electric boilers can achieve efficiencies of over 96%

There is a boiler to suit every type and size of home or business.

Your boiler can be fitted in the kitchen, utility room, bathroom, and even the basement. A compact combi boiler tucked neatly into a cupboard is a popular modern choice.

Additionally, modern boilers are very safe.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of boilers?

Pros:

• Versatility – there is a boiler system for every property
• Range of prices
• Tried and trusted reliability
• Energy efficiency
• Smart designs and features

Cons:

• Many boiler types (gas, oil, LPG) burn fossil fuels, causing carbon emissions
• Potential installation complications when swapping different boiler types
• Older units are inefficient and potentially dangerous

Popular boiler brands/models

Three top boiler makes in the UK are:

• The Worcester Bosch Greenstar 8000 range is celebrated for its outstanding reliability and efficiency. These boilers are often praised as one of the best on the market.
• The Viessmann Vitodens 100-W is an award-winning design known for its excellent energy efficiency – up to 94%. Viessmann makes top-rated smart boilers.
• The Alpha E-Tec System Boiler presents a blend of efficiency and compact design, making it versatile and reliable.

Gas furnace

Gas furnaces work by heating air. A burner ignites natural gas and this combustion process creates heat that is transferred to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger warms the air which is then circulated through the property via a duct network.

Gas furnaces are powered by natural gas. Furnaces can also be fueled by:

• Propane
• Oil
• Electricity
• Biomass fuels

Older furnaces are less energy efficient but newer models with modulating burners have improved efficiencies to over 95%. Newer models also meet high safety standards.

Furnaces perform well in smaller homes and businesses but sometimes battle to heat large properties comprehensively.

Gas furnaces require space for the unit and to allow air circulation and venting. The duct network also takes up space.

Furnaces are commonly located in:

• Basements
• Utility rooms
• Attics

What are the advantages and disadvantages of gas furnaces

Pros:

• Energy-efficient models
• Lifespan of 20+ years
• Effective in many properties
• Provides heat quicker than boilers
• Certain models provide cooling in summer

Cons:

• Only delivers heating, not hot water
• Premium furnaces are expensive
• Less effective in large properties, especially poorly insulated buildings
• Can circulate air pollutants
• Not eco-friendly

Popular gas furnace brands

Here are three recommended gas furnace makes:

• Lennox SLP98V Gas Furnace boasts up to 98.7% efficiency – the highest rating available.
• Trane XV95 Gas Furnace isavailable in capacities up to 120,000 BTU/h (British thermal unit/h) and performs impressively in large properties with high heating demands.
• Carrier Infinity 98 Gas Furnace delivers up to 98.5% efficiency, making it one of the most energy-efficient furnaces on the market.

What Are the Costs Of Boilers And Gas Furnaces?

The average cost of a boiler is around £3,600, including installation.

The average cost of a gas furnace is around £3,800, including installation.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the various costs relating to domestic boilers and furnaces.

Boiler costs

• Boiler unit: £550 – £3,900
• Boiler installation: £900 – £2,750
• Average running cost:
  • 6.24p/kWh for gas (per latest energy price cap)
  • 24.5p/kWh for electricity
  • 12p/kWh for LPG
  • 5-8p/kWh for Biomass
• Average standing charge: 32p per day for gas; 61p for electricity
• Average annual maintenance: £100, climbing to several hundred pounds for older boilers

Gas furnace costs

• Gas furnace unit: £1,000 – £4,100
• Installation cost: £1,000- £2,950
• Average running cost: 6.24p/kWh
• Average standing charge: 32p per day;
• Average annual maintenance: £120, rising closer to £300 as the unit ages

The price differential between gas-powered boilers and furnaces is minimal, but since a boiler provides hot water, it represents overall better value for money.

Of course, you have to rethink the value proposition if you have an electric boiler, costing 24.5p/kWh to run.

Several factors influence the cost of your heating system.

What factors affect the costs of boilers and gas furnaces?

To make the best investment decision, it pays to understand the cost variables.

Type and model

Boiler and furnace manufacturers offer a range of products, from cheap and basic to premium and feature-rich. Premium models can cost triple the price of standard units.

Additionally, the larger the unity, the more expensive it will be.

Installation

Installation costs can be sizeable. Boiler installation costs quickly mount if the boiler must be relocated to a different space and pipework and wiring must be reconfigured.

Gas furnace installations can also be tricky but come with slightly fewer potential complications. However, laying the ductwork for the first time will be a costly outlay of £2,000+, depending on the property’s size.

Gas installations must be handled by a certified Gas Safe engineer. Let Eco Happy help you here. Our skilled team of certified Gas Safe professionals has completed thousands of successful gas installations in homes and businesses across the UK. Whether you’re fitting a boiler or a gas furnace, our experienced experts will ensure a safe installation that lasts for decades.

Fuel source

The fuel cost of the heating system depends on the fuel used and the tariff paid. Gas boilers and gas furnaces should cost approximately the same.

Electricity, biomass, oil, and LPG boilers all have higher fuel costs than a gas furnace.  

Maintenance 

Boilers require an annual service. Servicing and upkeep may be less than £100 in the first years. In later years, it might jump to £250+ as repairs and new parts become necessary.

The maintenance requirements for a gas furnace are similar. A furnace, however, needs more regular attention to inspect and possibly replace air filters (£15 – £30).

Which Is Best for Your Needs – Boiler or Gas Furnace?

Boilers are a more common and popular heating system in the UK. They are superior to gas furnaces on most scales, including functionality, maintenance, and consistent heat. The best option comes down to personal choice.

Let’s dig into the key considerations in more detail.

Price 

The cost of purchasing and fitting a quality boiler or gas furnace is roughly the same – £3,700.

The running and maintenance costs of a gas boiler vs furnace are also similar.

However, electric boilers are much more costly to run.

Installation

Installing a boiler requires a network of pipes and radiators while fitting a gas furnace requires a duct network.

Each has its challenges but boilers potentially pose more installation complications.

Fitting a boiler is relatively simple when you replace a like-for-like system. When installing a combi boilerin place of a conventional boiler, for example, the job is more complex. Tanks and plumbing must be removed and new connections are necessary.

Property size

An optimally sized boiler provides comprehensive heat throughout your property’s radiators and underfloor heating.

The right-size gas furnace circulates warm air effectively but sometimes battles to provide the same level of even, consistent heat in large properties. A long duct run and compromised duct insulation can drag its performance.

Features and functionality

Boilers provide both heating and hot water.

Furnaces only serve central heating purposes. However, certain furnaces can provide cooling in summer.

Both heating systems offer products with smart technology and WiFi-enabled controls to manage your consumption smartly and efficiently.

Energy efficiency

Modern boilers and furnaces boast excellent energy efficiency. The best electric and condensing boilers have efficiency ratings of over 95%. Premium model furnaces can match this impressive efficiency.

Safety

Given the dangers of carbon monoxide leaks and potential gas explosions, gas furnaces and natural gas boilers carry safety concerns. These risks are mitigated in the case of electric and biomass boilers.

Forced air systems like furnaces sometimes distribute pollutants through the air, which can be unhealthy and cause allergies.

Maintenance 

Maintenance costs are fairly comparable for gas boilers and furnaces of a similar size and age. Both require a professional annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Furnaces often demand closer monitoring and upkeep as air filters must be regularly inspected and replaced.

Electric boilers are easier and usually cheaper to maintain than other boiler types because they have fewer moving parts.

Boilers generally have an edge when it comes to quickly and easily sourcing replacement parts because the UK boiler market is so big and competitive.

Get A Quote For A Boiler Or Gas Furnace Boiler Today

If you’re in the market for a boiler, Eco Happy can find the perfect unit for your family or company’s needs. Contact Eco Happy today, provide a few quick details, and receive a boiler installation quote almost immediately. No obligation, no charge – only friendly service and quality, affordable boilers, expertly installed.

If you’re looking for a gas furnace, we will gladly help you make a great choice and arrange a top-notch Gas Safe installation.

FAQs

Do boilers last longer than furnaces?

Yes, a quality boiler can last longer than a gas furnace. A gas furnace has a lifespan of around 20 years while many boilers achieve 25 years.

What is the cheapest form of heating a house?

Natural gas or cheap biomass fuels are the most economical way to heat a home in the UK. The current average unit price of gas is 6.24p per kWh which is a quarter the price of electricity, and cheaper than LPG and oil.

Are there government grants for boilers or gas furnaces?

There are no government grants for gas furnaces. The main grant relating to boilers, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, provides £5,000 towards a biomass boiler and offers a heat pump grant of £7,500.

Our Verdict

Boilers offer superior, consistent heating and hot water, making them the UK’s go-to heating solution. Gas furnaces may heat more quickly and are easier to install in many circumstances. However, they only provide heating and often underperform in larger properties.

Both systems are priced on average under £4,000, with installation. Furnaces require a bit more maintenance and can be a hassle if you don’t want to replace air filters yourself. Both deliver excellent efficiencies, with modern models featuring great smart technology.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your property size, heating demands, installation needs, and energy preferences.