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Replies (3)
- Michael Emery, "MikeEmery"
- Contributions:7298
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.
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.
- harryhappy
- Contributions:55
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.
- BungalowMo
- Contributions:232
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 $$ and have a boiler tech come out & do a thorough check of the system and make sure all components are up to par.
Love it for what it is...the best heating system ever devised. I totally envy you.
As for a/c...get some window units !! :-)
I consider the clangs just part of the charm of having an historic home. Your pipes will make this noise as they expand&contract from the heat.
You can get loosely fit radiator covers that allow heat out, but your little one won't get burned. (buying these custom made for all will still be cheaper that forced air)
There are many people who will find that type of heating system very beneficial (if/when you sell). Forced air HAS to be filtered, and even when it is, it is constantly blowing dust & whatnot throughout your home. As soon as the furnace shuts off...you feel the chill. No more warm air blowing. When your boiler kicks off, your radiators stay HOT for a very long time. The steam is great for staving off colds & such.
Please think long and hard before you think about having all that pulled out. Save yourself the $$ 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 !! :-)
What is more efficient? Forced air or a boiler?
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