Big Remodel job - Heat/AC Question

Steamhead (in transit)

you can't beat a hydronic (water-based), non-ducted heating system. I'm surprised no one mentioned this on Woodnet. In-floor radiant is getting popular now, but would require opening ceilings if the house is 2 stories or more, also if the basement is finished. But if that's happening anyway, go for it.

If the house won't be gutted this way, baseboard is a good alternative. Cast-iron baseboard costs more than the usual fin-tube, but holds its heat longer and is therefore preferred.

You also might consider wall-mounted panel radiators. These don't have the appearance of traditional radiators, nor do they take up as much space.

An advantage of baseboard or panel is that they can be used with steam instead of hot-water, which won't freeze up if there is an extended power or fuel failure. But the house would have to have a basement for this.

Any hydronic system should be cheaper to run than electric baseboard. Whether to use oil or gas depends on pricing in that area.

For A/C, I'd use a mini-duct system like Unico or Space-Pak. The small, flexible ducts these systems use can be fished thru most walls, eliminating the trouble and expense of building ugly bulkheads.

Whichever way you go, do a complete heat-loss and heat-gain calculation on each room in the house so you know exactly how much heat and cold is needed.

I'll bet you're saying "why build two systems when you can combine heating and cooling in one"? Well, with one system the air distribution will be wrong for at least half the year. Cooling loads in that area are much less than heating loads, and the heaviest loads occur in different parts of the house. So it's best to do them separately. It will cost more to install but won't sacrifice comfort, and will use much less energy.

And have you ever looked inside standard ductwork that's been used for several years? You might think you're witnessing the birth of a new universe in there!

If the contractor you are using balks at hydronics, try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate one more suitable.

demps

System question

Getting started on large remodeling project where one aim is to add central AC to this Northeast Pa home. Currently Electric Baseboard heat, no AC. Contractor proposal is gas furnace/Traditional Central AC unit as combo.

I'm getting feedback from others that baseboard heat is far superior to ducted Air and I'll be sorry if I make the change. The suggestion is to go for central air and leave the Electric Baseboard in place for heat.

I was referred to this site from woodnet, hopefully you guys can offer the benefit of your experience.
Go for ducted hot air/AC or stick with baseboard for heat??