which is better, forced air heat, or radiator?

Question

we are going to replace our old furnace. the guy that gave us an estimate said it came over on the mayflower, but we know it is over 100 years old. it has the old radiators. the forced air installed is cheaper, plus i hate trying to clean around them. in the long run though, which would be the best one? the estimate was 2,500 for forced air including duct work, and 4000 for the boiler

Answer 1

Radiator heat is better in my opinion for several reasons:
1. Consistency of heat - Forced air systems cycle the room temperature up and down much more quickly than radiator systems. As the name implies, radiators continue to radiate heat after the heat/pump cycle finishes.
2. Allergies: You may be able to filter the air itself in a forced air system, but you're still moving an awful lot of air around, stirring up dust, pet dander and other existing irritants in the process.
'3. Looks: Depending on the period of the house, radiators look better (to me) if painted metallic gold or copper. Make them a feature and not something to be hidden.

One major downside is not being able to run AC through the same vents - if that's an issue in your area. But that option will also add a lot more money.

However, I am surprised that adding a whole forced air system is cheaper than just replacing your boiler. (It's not called a 'furnace' in a hot water heat system, it's a 'boiler'.) You will have many holes and discoloration in the flooring where the radiators were and will probably need to fix holes and patches where they needed access to put in the new system was put in as well.

Answer 2

All-in-all, I think radiators give a better, more even heat. Also, they do not give a dry heat like a forced air system. This will reduce on dry skin, static electricity, all problems w/ dry winter heat. However, I do not know which is more efficient to run between the two. Also, you have a valid argument that the radiators take up space in a room. If you remove them, though, what about the floors underneath? Will that be a major repair that will cost the difference between the two systems?

Answer 3

You will probably find reason to complain about the heat in both.
Its often tough to get good ducting for forced air especially in a two story house where the duct wont fit inside a wall.
Good radiator's are supposed to give you a lot more ability to heat the rooms you want heated.

Good and bad points for both. I would probably ask myself how do I find the heat from the radiators, am I comfortable in the winter? If so, I would stick with the radiators. If I always found the rooms too hot or too cold then maybe forced air will help.

Answer 4

Hot water / steam heat is far better than forced out air. It heats objects instead of air, which gives a real feeling of being warm. The only plus I can think of with forced hot air is that it heats up the house quicker and you do not have to worry about any pipes leaking. The boiler will last longer and in my opinion is worth every penny more.

Answer 5

As far as heating goes, I think hot water heat is the best thing around. The temperature of the room, including furniture, walls, floors etc, stay the same. This lessens the chance of warping. Forced air comes on and goes off creating a "draft". Bad thing with hydronics is that you would need a seperate system for air conditioning. None of the other "comfort" features (mentioned in the previous answer) can be added "on to" a hot water system.

Answer 6

Go with the boiler. The forced air is just that: air that is forced. Sort of like a fart. The heat from a radiator isn't as dry as the forced air and it is more even. With forced air you have cold spots as well.

Answer 7

Forced air is always better. Reason IAQ Indoor Air Quality. You can do nothing to treat your air with a boiler. NO filtratrion etc. You can do so many things to protect the health of you and your family with forced air Examples include a heat recovery ventilator, uv light, humidifier, de humidifier, the list goes on and on

I hope this helps