Boiler vs. Furnace — Which Is Better for Alberta Homes?

When it comes to heating your home through Alberta’s long, cold winters, the choice between a boiler and a furnace can make a big difference in comfort, efficiency, and long-term cost.

At The Otter Guys Plumbing & Heating, we install and service both systems, but for many Rocky Mountain House homeowners, boilers and hydronic heating offer superior comfort and energy performance.

Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which is right for your home.

How Each System Works

Furnace: Heats air and blows it through ducts to warm the home.

Boiler: Heats water and circulates it through pipes, radiators, or in-floor heating systems to provide radiant warmth.

Key Differences

Feature	Furnace	Boiler
Heat Type	Forced air	Radiant heat (water-based)
Comfort Level	Can feel dry or uneven	Consistent, even warmth
Efficiency	Standard to high	High to ultra-high (especially condensing boilers)
Noise	Audible airflow	Nearly silent
Air Quality	Circulates dust and allergens	No air movement — great for allergy sufferers

Why Boilers Are Gaining Popularity

Boilers, especially hydronic systems, are becoming a top choice in modern and renovated homes because they:

• Provide even heat across all rooms

• Are highly efficient (some exceeding 95%)

• Reduce dust and allergens

• Integrate easily with in-floor heating systems

When a Furnace Might Be Better

Furnaces can still be a great fit if your home already has ductwork or if you want combined heating and cooling (since A/C connects to the same ducts).

Our Recommendation for boiler or furnace

If you’re building a new home, remodeling, or want silent, even heat, a boiler or hydronic system is the way to go. If you already have ducting in place and want a quick replacement, a high-efficiency furnace might make more sense.

Either way, The Otter Guys Plumbing & Heating can help you choose the right option for your space and budget.

Call the Local Heating Experts

Serving Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, and Red Deer, we install, repair, and maintain both boilers and furnaces to keep your home warm all winter long.

📞 Call or text: 403-872-6378

🌐 Visit: www.otterguys.ca