Hot Water vs Steam

Long Beach Ed

...is slightly more efficent, cheaper to install and easier to control. I have seen savings of about 10% over a good working steam system.

Of course, if a hot water system is not professionally sized, designed and installed, all bets are off. I've seen plenty of new and old systems burning twice the fuel that a well crafted system would burn. Probably a majority are burning somewhere around 50% more than necessary due to poor design or construction.

Steam does have many other advantages. In many ways it is easier to service, requires no draining of most pipes if freezing would be a problem and is definately more fun.

I still install steam in new buildings -- some people simply want it and when properly designed it is quiet and efficient.

Whichever you choose, just make certain the radiators are sized to the heat load, are of similar design and make certain the boiler is properly sized and piped. The money you save by not employing professional design will be spent season after season with an efficient system.

Long Beach Ed

Joe Grazulis

Hot Water vs Steam

What is more effecient, hot water or steam? I currently have an old home from 1909 with a hacked in forced air system. The house is made out of decorative concrete block and once the furnace shuts off the rooms get cold quickly. I also have not been able to come close to balancing the house. I want to install either steam or hot water heat. Most people have told me that hot water is significantly more efficient and easier to control. Is there truth to this? I am in the process of obtaining radiators right now. I am looking for the most efficient way of heating this house that would still be comfortable.