Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Is a home that uses oil as fuel and radiator steam expensive?

I read that if the heating unit in a home is radiator steam, this heating system is not only sufficient but expensive too. Is this true?Is a home that uses oil as fuel and radiator steam expensive?
Depends on how old and how efficient the furnace is that is heating the system. If its highly efficient, it is not as wasteful. Oil is very expensive now, relative to natural gas, so it will be more expensive than a natural gas system. I have lived with steam heat and forced hot air, and actually prefer steam. It takes more time to warm up, but it radiates heat longer and I dind it more comfortable when it gets going. Its a pain if you get home and its cold, b/c it takes a long time to really get the heat going, maybe an hour. Forced hot air is fast, but if it turns off, then everything gets cold really fast. I also find forced air very dry relative to steam heat.Is a home that uses oil as fuel and radiator steam expensive?
It all depends on where you live. Radiator steam creates ';hot spots'; in a home and can foster the development of mold...that is one of the reasons why it was phased out over the years, and sometimes, they would even ';blow up'; and were at very high risk to injure people and children were very often suffering horrible burns when they got too close.





My recommendation, is if you purchase a home with one, make sure it is common for the area...if it's not, then it becomes a ';unique'; feature that can kill your chances for resale.

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