How much would it cost to replace a house's heating system? (1500-2000 sq. ft.; from hot water to forced air)

Question

I've been told that if you have hot water radiator heating, then there is no duct framework for air conditioning.

Answer 1

This is true but with the forced air heat system they will install the duct work . About 13 years ago I had wood heat and had forced air installed. It cost $1300 but was for about 900 sq ft. and they used the insulated duct work that is not made with the metal duct work. I also did not have the central air installed at that time but rather later.
I had estimates all the way from $7000 to $1300..........I have a 75BTU for enlarging the house later. All together with CA and FAH it was $2600..........I would say you are looking at $8,000 to $10,000. But so worth it.....providing you get gas.
If you are handy and have some handy friends sweat equity is well worth it. You could cut that price in half.
Just make sure you do your homework on which unit and COMPANY if you choose not to do it yourself.
PS Go to your local home improvement store like Lowes and those people know their business and can help you do the job.
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PSS
My entire unit is installed in the attic alone with the duct work . The AC is outside.

Answer 2

Forced Air Heating System Cost

Answer 3

Why would you want to switch heating systems? That water heating system is great if it's working the way it should. You are not blowing around weird air and all those cooties that live in the duct work! It's probably quieter than forced air too.

Are you wanting to change over just because you want central air conditioning?
You can just have an air conditioning system done. Yes, the duct work will cost a LOT! Your house might not even be able to handle the duct work if your walls are too thin or not made to handle the ducts. You will have to have someone come out to see if it is possible.
Sounds really expensive.
If heating and air conditioning is what you want, I'd just move. It could be cheaper and way less hassle in the long run.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How much would it cost to replace a house's heating system? (1500-2000 sq. ft.; from hot water to forced air)
I've been told that if you have hot water radiator heating, then there is no duct framework for air conditioning.

Answer 5

Radiant heat has no air blowing dust around, it has a longer recovery time (leave the door open and it takes longer to come back up to temp) but it is lower maintenance, and warmer floors (unless it is a radiator type system). Radiant is more economical to operate. Small radiant heat boilers are usually for larger homes. Forced air is cheaper to install. If radiant heat tubing is installed in the ceilings, you can not put up hooks any where you want and it can cause cool area's under beds and tables. Also, with forced air, you can add air conditioning. Most homes with radiant heat, have a separate air conditioning system or none at all.

Answer 6

Central air conditioning is available for houses that have hot water heat. It is a separate system, normally installed in the attic or basement/crawl area. Call a reliable HVAC dealer and ask about it. There are few brands available.
To give yo an estimate on forced air system it would be better if you provided us the number of rooms and square footage of each. With a forced air system you need, furnace, a/c coil, line-set, outdoor compressor, supply ducts to each room, return air supplies etc. Also do you have a basement or is the house on a crawl space?

Answer 7

For that size of house your looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000 for the equipment. Figure $300 to $500 per room to be supplied. $75 to $100 per man hours. This job would be a two man job. Your looking at about 80 man hours (40 hours with two guys). I would think somewhere around $10,000 total cost. That would include heat and air. Removal of the old system would add to this at the labor rate with 40 to 60 man hours needed.
I agree with the first answer through. If your current system works don't mess with it.