Hot water radiator system vs. Forced Air

Binmn

Hi there

We live in quite a wet zone in Wellington, New Zealand.  The house I just bought has no heating at all - just using electric radiators.  However, we do have a Rinnai hot water gas boiler.

We want to install a central heating system which uses Gas which is already piped in for our hot water.  We have quotes from forced air systems and from hot water radiator (e.g. UK style central heating).  Both are the same price and both claim to be the best and the most cost efficient.

Which should we use?

My wife does have asthma so I was slightly worried about forced air systems (despite the filters you get).

Charlie from wmass

Water conducts heat better than air

If asthma is an issue I would go with the forced water systems. I am assuming( and thats dangerous I know) that the contractors are of equal skill. Both systems can be done very poorly.

Steamhead

Go with hot-water

it will be more efficient (since ducts tend to leak about 20% of what you put into them) more comfortable (since moving air makes you feel cold) and won't aggravate your wife's asthma so much (ducts can harbor mold and other nasties).