Hot water base board compared to forced hot air furnace

Wendy

We have an oil heater that is forced hot air. It is probably close to 35 years old. We really like the forced
hot air. We just had someone come in and talk about
replacing it. They want to put in an oil fired water boiler with hot water baseboard heat. Our house is small.
Our rooms are approx 13x15 and under. We are concerned
that the baseboards will not give off the same kind of heat
as the forced hot air. I can't comprehend how the baseboard will be able to put out the heat that the forced air does. Is the baseboard efficient? Will it have to run constantly to keep the rooms heated? I know that ANYTHING we change to will be more efficient than the 35 year old heater we have now, but my husband is really set against the baseboards and wants to stay with the forced air. Are there pro's and con's that I could take a look at some where to compare the two types of heating?
Thanks so much for your time!

bigugh_4

Pros & cons!

BB will do the job if properly sized. that is a given. (so will hot air) BB will be nearly draft free! (no blower shoving air around.) BB there fore will be cleaner. BB will be quietier. The temp difference between the floor and cieling will be considersably less with BB there fore more consistant comfort. To compare BB with hot air, is like comparing apples to onions. one on one apples are much nicer.
All this even if the efficiencies are the same. Which they are not. It is easier to heat water than air. Then heat the air with the water. Sound nuts but it is more efficient!

Joe_13

Only pro for hot air

will be the lower replacement cost, unless the duct work is in bad shape and must be replaced. I'm suprised no one has alergie problems or complains about the dry air with your current system (maybe you have a humidifier already). Don't forget zoning is easier with hydronic systems plus you could also get your hot water from an indirect tank heated by the boiler. You might want to consider radiant heat for your kitchen or bath if you have remodeling plans.

Salvatore DiChristina

Steam boiler pipe insulation.

First of all if I am imposing on someone else's thread let me apologize. I have not figured out how to start a new thread in the Round Table. I have questions on Steam boiler pipe insulation. My boiler has 2" inch and 1 1/2 pipes. There are a number of valves, joints and couplings that are larger than the 2" and the 1 1/2" pipes. Are there insulations that will cover these larger unions? what size should I ask for when ordering insulation for these larger unions, joints, couplings? And where could I order these from?
Thank you

Steamhead

Wendy, go with hot water

As the others have said, it will be more comfortable and efficient.

I grew up in a house with forced air and hated it. I will never live with it again.

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Jim_19

Wendy, I just made the change!!

Wendy, our 23 year old home was originally built with elec baseboards. Needless to say, after 1st year, never turned them on again. We have been using a propane hot air heater at one end of the house and a wood stove at the other.

This summer we had a forced hot water system installed. The difference is night and day. The heat is smooth and even. No blowing of air across your skin to heat you up or create a chill. Just a steady temp. We've been keeping it on 64-65 and without the air flow, that's very comfortable.

Should have done it years ago. I would never go back to hot air.

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

think of the dust

that blows out the ducts. this ductwork is about 40 years old. that is reason enough to go to hot water. bob

Rob T

Another vote for

hot water heat. I have been in the construction business for 25 yrs+ and we always installed forced air heat in the homes we built. So I never really had any contact with hot water heat until I bought my current house. What a difference! I will NEVER go back to scorched air, the comfort level of radiant heat is incredible.

My current house is approx 1800 sq ft, two stories and last yrs total gas bill was about $1100.00

This was with a system that was installed in 1962-63 in a 100 yr old house with little insulation and single pane glass through out. (This is including a gas dryer also.)

My wife loves hot water heat for several reasons also, no dust, even heat, low noise.

Rob