tankless vs boiler

[essentialagenda]

Hi,

can someone tell me what the difference is between a wall hung tankless water heater and a wall hung boiler? and when would one use one vs the other?

thanks

 

[Jadnashua]

A tankless system is designed for producing potable hot water instead of a conventional water heater. A boiler is designed to provide heat to a dwelling. A side benefit is the ability to heat a tank of water using a zone and an indirect water heater tank.

A tankless system, because it is heating water as it passes through and then dumped down the drain, won't get the water hot enough for many space heating purposes. A boiler, because it can recirculate the water is able to produce much hotter water, typically required for radiators.