how dependable and and what is the difference in cost with steam and boiler verses foirced air furnace?
Steam is a more even heat if used with perimeter base board heaters. forced air can have a humidifier added to make a more reasonable moisture level in the house. Both are equally dependable, the energy used to produce the heat is the determining factor on cost. Gas is the cheapest,then oil then electricity. in most locals. Steam can be added after a structure is built , forced air systems must be designed into the building at design time in most cases
Gas boilers can run at 98% efficiency when used with in-floor heating. In-floor heating is very nice, it keeps your feet warm and the heat down where you need it, not on the ceiling. Forced air furnaces are rated up 95+% efficiciency but as said loose a little in the ductwork atlthough that heat will still being going into you home, just not where you want it.
Both a boiler and a forced air furnace are reliable heating units, they both are equipped with some sort of burner, ei. Reillo, Beckett, etc... A boiler transmits heat radiantly, kind of like a wood stove via means of a radiator or in floor heating through a series of pipes or pex tubing. A boiler system can easily take care of the hot water and heating needs of the house hold. It is commonly about 85% efficent, providing your burner is maintained regularly. A forced air furnace blows warm air up the duct work and out to the vents Heat is lost due to travel time and distance, so efficently a forced air furnace only can usually run at 78%. Both systems cost the same amount of money to install, both systems can run off of fuel or gas, just by changing the burner to accept the gas application, and both systems use fossil fuels. My choice out of the two suggested has always been a boiler, nothing beats radiant heat over warm air blowing up through a series of duct work. If you are looking for cleaner solutions, perhaps consider electric heating or geothermal heating.. It difinitely is the way of the future and systems are getting less expensive. You may be able to find out more information by visiting you homeowners guide, or CMHC. good luck
