water heater or boiler?

Gardner74

Hello, I'm researching the most efficient way to replace an oil burning water boiler system which heats baseboard heaters throughout a 2 story 2300sqft home. It is a closed system with copper piping. I'm wondering what recommendations you have as to which type of electric boiler to look in to? Is it an option to use a water heater?  I realize that baseboard heaters require 180-200 degree water, but I'm not sure if water heaters heat that high? I'm just trying to get energy efficiency. Any advice would be appreciated! 

This is an 'old house', so air conditioning was installed approx. 15 yrs ago with an air handler in the basement. Would it be more efficient (and less costly) for me to install a heating element into the air handler, or put a heat pump in the air conditioner - OR get an electric boiler for the baseboard heating? 

Thanks! 

Steamhead

Why electric?

the cost per BTU for electricity is highest of all. 

Gardner74

BTUs - electric

Didn't realize BTUs for electric were highest. Which source would you suggest? Do you have a resource where I could do further research?

Thanks for the input.

Eric_32

That all depends...

You never told us what part of the country you lived in?

Gardner74

BTUs - boiler system

I live in Ohio and currently have a commercial grade fuel oil boiler system. With the price of fuel oil going sky-high, I've been considering alternative heating for the house. I did see that natural gas and fuel oil have high BTU output. I'm trying to figure out a more costly way to use the boiler system.

Thanks.

Steamhead

Do you have natural gas available?

If not, it's time to look at ways you can upgrade your efficiency elsewhere in the system.



Tell us more about the system. What make and model boiler do you have now? Have you had a heat-loss calculation done to see if the boiler is oversized?