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Boiler vs. Furnace

The terms "boiler" and "furnace" are often used interchangeably.  They both heat homes and both are large pieces of equipment usually found in a basement. Both boilers & furnaces can be powered by gas or oil. Both can be expensive to maintain and each stands an equal chance of malfunctioning in their lifetimes.

Tomato - tomahto, right? Not quite.

Differences between a boiler and a furnace

The main difference between these two types of heating equipment is simple. The answer is in the name. A boiler boils water to create heat. The steam heat cycles throughout the home through baseboard units or radiators. Other sources include radiant floors or radiant ceilings. A furnace heats air to create heat. The warm air is then forced throughout the home through a series of duct work and vents. Many homes that have furnaces also have central air conditioning that use the same duct work.

Advantages of a boiler heating system

multi-zone-piping-boiler-willimantic-ct Multi-zone boiler piping for Willimantic CT apartment building

In Eastern Connecticut, we experience some brutal winters. The air is extremely cold for months on end. The cold air is void of any moisture. Our skin is dried out and flaky; our hair suffers the same fate.  Our hands crack from the exposure of leaving our warm homes to the frigid outdoors. We also suffer from headaches and sinus infections from the dry air. Static electricity can fry our electronics. A boiler heating system can decrease the affects of these winter woes. Since the boiler uses water to create heat, the steam provides welcome relief to aching sinuses. Your cats and dogs will no longer suffer the surprising nose zaps either!

A boiler can also product better air quality than a furnace, in terms of dust creation. If you suffer from allergies, this will be a major advantage for you. Boiler heating systems last much longer than furnace heating systems. The typical lifespan of a boiler is 25-30 years, compared to the typical 10-15 year lifespan of a furnace.

Maintaining your boiler

We recommend having your boiler serviced every heating season. When we perform a system check on the equipment, we check safety features such as the relief valve, backflow preventer, tempering valve, etc. We don't offer cleaning services or oil burner work. We suggest you form a relationship with your local oil delivery company for those services. If you haven't scheduled your boiler service yet, don't wait too much longer! The schedule is filling up faster, and the closer we get to the brutal cold temperatures, the chances of a service delay are higher. To schedule your boiler service, please call 860-228-1036.


Rapid Response Emergency Service!

When you need an emergency plumbing, heating and electrical, you can count on Rapid Service. With teams in multiple locations, we can be at your door fast. Call Rapid Service To
860-337-7099

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Rapid Service has been trusted in thousands of homes for over 30 years. Enjoy our friendly service today.

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Why Choose Rapid Service

When you need a plumber, electrician or boiler technician in Connecticut, choose Rapid Service and experience their First Class customer care. Providing a red carpet service since 1987.

UP-FRONT PRICING

We will provide you with the full cost up-front - for your ease of mind.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

We all expect to be treated with respect when someone visits our home, whether they're a guest or a trades-person.

CLEAN AND TIDY

We'll use our red carpet mats to cover work areas so any mess is contained and kept to a minimum.

RAPID, ON-TIME SERVICE

We have teams on-call across Connecticut in fully stocked vehicles with spare parts and tools to perform emergency repairs.

FULLY EQUIPPED VEHICLES

We drive vehicles fully equipped with the necessary tools and spare parts to attend to your repair or service on arrival and FAST!

RED CARPET SERVICE SINCE 1987!

We've been providing a red carpet service since we opened our doors in 1987. Read what people say about us here.

Delighting Customers Every Day

  • My thank you seems so small compared to what you have done for me. Your generosity overwhelms me. the faucet is so attractive - I love it! You made my Christmas really merry.

    S. Bombria

    Thank you!!! Rapid Service did a wonderful job transforming 1920s bathrooms in our house. We cannot say enough about the quality and attention to detail of each of these projects.

    Anthony Power
  • The guys at Rapid Service did a whole "make-over" of my son's bathroom in East Hartford in March, 2014. They did a fantastic job - were there when they said they would be, were easy to contact, completed the job in a reasonable time...

    Sue Rissanen

    I had to call my handyman husband Rapid Service yet again! Andy and his crew are the most professional and down to earth people you will ever meet. My husband and I had a house built seven years ago and have had various issues with water, electrical and heating...

    Lisa M.
  • My wife and I own and operate a Bed & Breakfast in our home in Scotland, CT. For a number of years we have used Rapid Service for all our electrical, plumbing, and heating needs. Most recently we had Rapid Service replace a malfunctioning kick heater in our Guest Game Room...

    Bruce & Georgia Stauffer

    I had Rapid Service come to my home because there was a saddle valve under my kitchen sink that was about to make a huge mess. I wasn't able to use my filtered water faucet until the repair was made. The technician fixed it AND had a great attitude while he worked. That is a rare thing lately...

    Kevin S.
  • Great work on replacing my well water tank, Andy. You have been giving us highly competent, clean, and courteous service for the past 28 years. You're the best!"

    Gerald Baril

    My wife and I want you to know that we were very satisfied with our bathroom remodeling that Andy performed professionally, carefully and efficiently. The end result is a bathroom that is properly updated, functions perfectly and looks very attractive...

    Curt F. Beck
Rapid, On-Time

Rapid, On-Time

We are ready for any emergency service, at your location, FAST.

Same Day Service

Same Day Service

We appreciate your time is valuable, and won't keep you waiting.

Tidy Technicians

Tidy Technicians

Your technician will use our red carpet mats to cover work areas. We also clean up before leaving.

Friendly Service

Friendly Service

Our technicians will treat you with care and respect, providing you a customer service you'll enjoy.