What is the difference between a heater and a furnace?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between heaters and furnaces, specifically in the context of devices used for heating houses. Participants explore definitions, characteristics, and applications of both terms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define a heater simply as a device that provides heat, while a furnace is described as an enclosed chamber to produce heat.
  • One participant cites definitions from Wikipedia, noting that heaters come in various forms, including portable options, while furnaces are typically stationary and can serve multiple purposes beyond just heating.
  • Another participant humorously comments on the definition of a furnace as a stationary device, suggesting ambiguity in the term.
  • There is a claim that a furnace is a type of heater, but this is met with a counterpoint that challenges the notion of furnaces being strictly stationary.
  • A later post attempts to simplify the distinction by stating that a furnace is essentially a box, which may not capture the full complexity of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and characteristics of heaters and furnaces, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of heaters and furnaces may depend on specific contexts and applications, leading to ambiguity in their usage. The discussion highlights the variability in how these terms are understood and applied.

partialfracti
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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?
 
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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.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
yoatmon said:
A furnace is a stationary device - not necessarily

I love that, it is but it isn't! :smile:
 
jarednjames, he means that a furnace is a stationary device, not necessarily always used for heating purposes, but also used for heating purposes.
 
Firstly, it was a joke.

Secondly, furnaces aren't necessarily stationary.
 
partialfracti said:
What is the difference between a heater and a furnace?

Furnace - heater = box.
 

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