Having both a furnace and a boiler in a house is relatively uncommon, but it can happen in certain situations depending on the heating needs and the setup of the property. The presence of both heating systems might be due to historical reasons, unique heating requirements, or preferences of the homeowner. Here are some possible scenarios where a house might have both a furnace and a boiler:
Dual Fuel System: Some houses use a dual fuel system, where both a furnace and a boiler are installed. This setup allows homeowners to switch between two different fuel sources for heating, such as natural gas or oil. The dual fuel system provides flexibility, especially if there are fluctuations in fuel prices or availability.
Zoned Heating: In larger or multi-story homes, zoned heating systems might be employed. Zoning allows different areas of the house to be heated separately to meet specific temperature requirements. In such cases, a combination of a furnace and a boiler could be used to optimize efficiency and comfort in different zones.
Historical Installations: In older houses, heating systems might have been installed or upgraded at different times, leading to a combination of a furnace and a boiler. As heating technology evolved over the years, homeowners might have retained both systems instead of removing the older one.
Supplemental Heating: In certain regions with extremely cold climates, homeowners might use both a furnace and a boiler as a supplemental heating strategy. A boiler might be used for radiant floor heating or baseboard heating in specific areas, while the furnace provides forced-air heating throughout the rest of the house.
Personal Preferences: Some homeowners prefer specific heating methods for different parts of their homes. For example, they might prefer the radiant heat from a boiler in their bedrooms and bathrooms, while using a furnace to quickly heat up the living areas.
It's important to note that having both a furnace and a boiler can result in higher installation and maintenance costs. Additionally, coordinating and controlling two different heating systems may require more sophisticated controls and thermostats. Most homes typically have one primary heating system, either a furnace or a boiler, that suits their specific heating needs.