What is better base board (water heating system) or forced air (gas, furnace heating system)?

Question

Which heating system is the most economical ?
If a house has Base board heating and no central air conditioning
how much would it cost to install centeral air.
Should I install both central air and forced air gas heating system .

Answer 1

baseboard will be more economical i would just install central air

Answer 2

This is my experience. I grew up in a house with hot water radiators. The temperature was steady and even, never too hot or too cold, except if a lamp was on next to the thermostat. I have now lived 14 years in a house with forced air heat and I can say that I hate it. The temperature gets really cold and then super hot air fills the house. While the furnace is on, I am literally sweating it's so hot for those few minutes. The furnace goes off, it's comfortable for a while, gets cold, then the cycle starts again. Yes, it heats the house up "fast" like you want, but honestly, it's not comfortable. And it makes a LOT of noise--the hot water radiators at my parents' house never made any noise. If you block any of the grates, you get poor circulation or one room may be colder than others. The grates on the floor collect dust, dirt, change and other small objects. It's a total pain. It would be easy to add central air, that's about the only bonus. I have an oil furnace which was once top of the line but is probably 25 years old now. I doubt changing the furnace would change the experience much, however. I'm sure other people will quote studies & articles on which is better and why, but I think the actual experience of living with it is more important. I'd pay more for even, quiet heat.

Answer 3

Forced air gas will be cheaper and cleaner if you already has gas in the house.

Answer 4

To many unknowns to answer such as yur house size...do you need duct work plus? Call a contractor and get 3 estimates