all ducts would need to be installed, i also have electric baseboard heaters in many rooms but am worried about the costs to run them. mostly i am wondering if anyone has advice on what the heck to do.
Couple of things to consider....... If the house is old not well insulated, the radiators will be able to provide plenty of heat. If the pipes are in good condition a new high efficiency boiler could do the trick. I'm thinking insulation is the key. If it is marginal you do not have the means to update. I would stick to the radiators or maybe go with hot water baseboard if the plumbing is bad. Have forced hot air w/ AC as an add on not all that happy since the house is block built the insulation is what it is. Have to use ceramic heaters when it gets really windy cold. For Heat +AC might see about a high velocity setup which does not require the big old fashioned ducts. You might consider keeping the radiators if the plumbing is good going w/ a forced air system with or without AC. which can be added later, You then have the option of going both ways. Nothing as toasty as radiant heat , but forced air does come on quick the AC capability is nice. Your utility provider or a good heating contractor will be able to evaluate your house recommend the most efficient system. Best regards
I like a ducted system because you can have central air. You should test the radiators ahead of time with compressed air to see if they are watertight. Either way, get rid of the electric heat.
You have many options such as geothermal, a combi boiler system, CHP,etc. If you want to have air conditioning, then you probably will want to go with a forced air system. For complete information about your options, ceck out my source.
