What is the difference between a heater and a furnace?

partialfracti

I am asking about heaters that heat houses (not water heaters, etc.). I am asking about furnaces that heat houses.

What is the difference between a heater and a furnace?

JaredJames

A heater is just that, a device that provides heat.

A rough definition on furnace from a few sources is "an enclosed chamber to produce heat".

If you check the definition of furnace you will see it follows that line.

A furnace is a heater.

yoatmon

Here is a WIKI definition for heater:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heater and here is a WIKI definition for furnace:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furnace
Generally speaking, there are many different types of heaters. E. g. an electric heater (1-2 kW) for the bathroom in the spring or autumn when the heating system in the house is not running. Pocket heaters to warm your hands in the wintertime either battery or gas powered. The heater in the car etc. A heater can be portable.
A furnace is a stationary device - not necessarily - but also used for heating purposes e. g. an incinerator in a morgue. Furnaces are also used for garbage disposal; in modern designs, the resulting heat is used for power generation and heating purposes. Oil or gas furnaces are used in homes solely for heating purposes and hot water availability.

JaredJames

I love that, it is but it isn't!

partialfracti

jarednjames, he means that a furnace is a stationary device, not necessarily always used for heating purposes, but also used for heating purposes.

JaredJames

Firstly, it was a joke.

Secondly, furnaces aren't necessarily stationary.

Dr Lots-o'watts

Furnace - heater = box.