The answer to 'heat exchanger vs' is that a heat exchanger and furnace are two different components of a home's HVAC system, each with their own features, benefits, and use cases. A heat exchanger is a core component within a furnace that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air being circulated through the home. In contrast, a furnace is the entire appliance that houses the heat exchanger and other components to generate and distribute heated air. Heat exchangers are designed to be highly efficient at transferring heat, while furnaces incorporate the heat exchanger along with a blower, controls, and other features to provide whole-home heating.
The main benefits of a heat exchanger are improved energy efficiency, better air quality, and longer system lifespan. Furnaces provide the added functionality of distributing the heated air throughout the home using ductwork. Homeowners should consider their specific heating needs, home size, energy efficiency goals, and budget when deciding between upgrading or replacing a heat exchanger versus the entire furnace appliance.