Central heating options

[Dave Rav]

Well, I just got a bit of news all of us just love - the HVAC needs to be replaced!  At least the heat component needs to be replaced (AC works).  Contractor says heat exchanger is cracked and induce draft motor has failed.  They are quoting me in excess of $3k to replace just the heater components of the unit.  I already know I won't agree to that!

I'm starting to look at other options.  

My question to the group:  

1) Besides space heaters, what other options are out there?  

2)  Has anyone installed baseboard heating in a unit 1200 sf in size?  Cost?

Thanks!

[Lynnette E.]

Have you had baseboard with renters?  Horrible idea!  First they coat them with trash, crayons, playdough, spilled stuff, toys.  Then complain they smell and need to be cleaned.  The let the kids smash the Tonka trucks into them over and over.  I just pulled the entire living room baseboard heater out of one house because it was falling off the wall from the abuse.

Do not choose that.  Choose another contractor for an estimate for a new system like you already have.