making a heating decision

[burnbrightly]

I need to make a decision tonight. Just trying to figure out what to do. Do I buy a new boiler for my existing baseboards and get central air with full ductwork OR do I combine the new central air with FA heatand a Furnace for one system? I assume buying a new boiler is the more expensive option. Does that advantages of boiler heat warrant the extra 3 grand or so? Also thre is an aesthetic advantage to taking off the baseboard radiators if I got FA heat.

[danglerb]

If you really are undecided don't make the choice tonight.

What sort of house do you have?

What climate?

How would the AC system be different if you include a furnace?

If practical have the ductwork done so that little need be changed to add forced air heating (maybe start with a heat pump if that is good for your climate).

Any special issues with the boiler system, asbestos etc?

[burnbrightly]

no real issues. I live in the northeast, cold winters so don't know if a heat pump is a good idea. the central air is a good call i think but not sure if I should get forced air heat and a furnace now or not, but the boiler is very old

[BaldLoonie]

Forced air is far from the comfort of hot water. If winter comfort is an issue, stay with a boiler and baseboard. The closest forced air can come to baseboard comfort is Rheem's modulator.

You can put cooling in the attic with ceiling diffusers, best place to put them blowing down. But lousy for heat. Heat should be low wall or floor which is a compromise for cooling.

If you have 2 story, putting ducts in every room upstairs and down through closets to a couple of rooms downstairs will cool well since cool air falls anyway.

Boiler with new duct system definitely more money. I'd do it personally for the comfort.

[johnsp]

The cost might not be that bad. While a furnace is usually cheaper then a boiler, you'd save on a simpler ductwork layout for cooling. Listen to the Bald Master.