Profile picture for Cobrand Demo4

Ryan Beesley

XYZ Brokerage

Email: ryan@xyzbrokerage.com

Phone: (206) 555-1234

Website: www.xyzbrokerage.com

Back to Results

Tools

Partner Tools


What is more efficient? Forced air or a boiler?

Profile picture for Big Poppy
close Profile picture for Big Poppy

Big Poppy

Contributions: 12

View full profile

I have an old home in CT pre 1900.  Is it more efficient to heat my home with forced air or with a boiler?  I have a boiler with really large old raidiators in each room that make noise and hiss.  I have a 1 year old that is walking now and likes to touch everything as well...but I am assuming the cost to switch will be high...
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

March 17 - Glenbrook
RSS

Replies (3)

Profile picture for MikeEmery
close Profile picture for MikeEmery

Michael Emery, "MikeEmery"

Real Estate Agent
Contributions: 2470
Zillow All-Star

Since December 2008

View full profile

Single or double story? If a single story is the basement finished? The more you have to go through finished walls and ceilings the higher the cost.

You might want to consider a high efficiency boiler like a Buderis. As for the hot radiators, folks use to have radiator covers to keep the kids off the hot radiators. They're still available from those websites that specialize in old homes.

Of course the advantage of forced air is you can add air conditioning.

Check with at least three heating and cooling contractors for bids on either updating the current system or switching to forced air.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

1 Yes

March 17
Profile picture for harryhappy
close Profile picture for harryhappy

harryhappy

Contributions: 39

View full profile

There is a system suited for retrofiting an old house with cooling using high velocity air thru a 3 inch duct that is easier to install.  Its called the SpacePak system made by Dunham-Bush or possibly someone else these days.  If you get estimates include this system.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

0 Yes

March 17
Profile picture for BungalowMo
close Profile picture for BungalowMo

BungalowMo

Contributions: 144

View full profile

You cannot beat radiant heat!!!!!  And when I hear that it hisses...that's even better because you have steam radiant heat.  That is SO good for you, your home, your family or pets, and plants&everything. 

I consider the clangs just part of the charm of having an historic home.  Your pipes will make this noise as they expand&contract from the heat.

You can get loosely fit radiator covers that allow heat out, but your little one won't get burned.  (buying these custom made for all will still be cheaper that forced air)

There are many people who will find that type of heating system very beneficial (if/when you sell).  Forced air HAS to be filtered, and even when it is, it is constantly blowing dust & whatnot throughout your home.  As soon as the furnace shuts off...you feel the chill.  No more warm air blowing.  When your boiler kicks off, your radiators stay HOT for a very long time.  The steam is great for staving off colds & such.

Please think long and hard before you think about having all that pulled out.  Save yourself the $$ and have a boiler tech come out & do a thorough check of the system and make sure all components are up to par.

Love it for what it is...the best heating system ever devised.  I totally envy you.

As for a/c...get some window units !! :-)
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

If you find this content is in violation of our Good Neighbor Policy, please let us know and we will review it.

Close
Content Flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.

2 Yes

March 18
 

Have a question? Ask it here.

What's this?
Close

By starting a discussion, you can expect more of an interactive, back-and-forth experience where the conversation can go in many different directions.

Or start a discussion

 
Top Zillow All-Stars
Stats
Subscribe via RSS
  1. Profile picture for 203K Specialist Andrew Adams
    6927 contributions
  2. Profile picture for FriendshipProperties FriendshipProperties
    658 contributions
  3. Profile picture for Robert C. Sampson Robert C. Sampson
    338 contributions
  4. Profile picture for Down to 580 Lender Robert Benham
    331 contributions
  5. Profile picture for Team3Realty Team3Realty
    280 contributions

See more Glenbrook All-Stars

Related Discussions
Profile picture for BungalowMo
Discussion What is more efficient? Forced air or a boiler?
  • Last reply by BungalowMo
  • March 18
Zillow Poll:
Suggested by ExMortgageBroker
FICO Scoring, Do you understand it?
Next poll
Suggest a poll
Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy

© 2006-2008 Zillow.com, All Rights Reserved

pageName