Repair or replace

[rickjames8]

Hello all,

I am a newbie to this forum and have found a property which I am looking at purchasing with an aim to renovate and rent out. The property was recently vandalized and much of the copper pipe for the heating system was ripped out in the basement. Luckily, the thief wasn't too ambitious and only took what was exposed and didn't rip the walls apart.

The house is from 1900 and uses a gas hot-water furnace fed to old cast-iron radiators throughout the house. The furnaces were last inspected/serviced in 2006, but I was told that they were in use last winter, this was confirmed by neighbors. The house has no duct work and no room to install any.

I plan to get an estimate on repairing the pipes before making an offer, but the idea came to me to consider electric baseboards as an alternative. Searching this forum, I don't see many good things said about that type of system. If the cost of new electric was the same as repairing the gas, which would be the better way to go in terms of how economical to run and how much maintenance could be expected.

If it helps: The house is 2300sqft and elec is .11/kwh and gas 3.77/mcf.

I will likely look in to both, but any expert advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Rick

[lynn comstock]

We can't help much without a city and state. (climate matters also.)
Either way, be sure to air seal the house during the renovation.
Is this multi story?

[tedkidd]

Cast iron radiators are fantastic.

An energy audit should get you an idea of the heating liability, capital and monthly, using gas or electric.

We can't help much without a city and state. (climate matters also.)

Anybody else think membership should require at least zip or state?

Dad?

[amd]

but the idea came to me to consider electric baseboards as an alternative.

Don't do it.

Get the hydronic system fixed.

[beenthere]

At the rates you posted. 1,000,000 B TU of hat from electric resistance heat will cost $32.22

1,000,000 BTUs of heat from an 80% efficient gas boiler will cost $4.71

[genduct]

PEX

[timebuilder]

Energy audit, pex piping, and if needed, a new boiler in the offer.