What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
furnace
Example
The furnace in our basement keeps our house warm during the winter. [furnace: noun]
Example
The steel mill uses a blast furnace to melt iron ore into steel. [furnace: noun]
heater
Example
I turned on the heater to warm up the room. [heater: noun]
Example
The camping stove has a built-in heater for boiling water. [heater: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heater is more commonly used than furnace in everyday language. Heater is a versatile term that can refer to a variety of devices used for heating, while furnace is more specific to central heating systems or industrial processes.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between furnace and heater?
Both furnace and heater are neutral terms that can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the context and audience.