Furnace or Boiler/Radiators

[Cory Kerr]

Good afternoon everyone, I hope all is well. I'm beginning to renovate a multi family unit on the southside of Chicago that has been occupied since being purchased (9 years ago.) Do you typically replace existing boiler systems with forced air or does it depend on the circumstances? The boiler/radiators are functioning just fine but figured this would be a good time to make the switch if need be. The unit is habitable of course but wondering what measures are being taken when updating units. The bathroom was gutted 2 years ago and the kitchen will be soon, some walls/ceiling are in good shape, but aside from that some walls need more than just paint.

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Cory Kerr, a few thoughts:

1. What is your goal for the unit? Is it just a rental or are you investing to resell it soon?

2. When you remodel/rehab a property look at the surrounding market and see what is "expected" for properties of that type that have been remodeled.

3. Once you determine #2, identify the EASIEST and CHEAPEST ways you can exceed what the expectations are during your rehab. That would typically NOT be by going above and beyond changing the way heat is delivered as ductwork would require a lot of demo to do right.

4. I personally like radiators, especially steam because the heating system is simple! Less to go wrong.

5. If you wanted to add air conditioning, you could consider simply adding ductless minisplit systems! This gives you a BONUS because they can serve as a backup heat source. So, that if the boiler goes down it is NEVER an emergency!

6. If you don't add ductless from #5, I would add some electric baseboard as backup heat. Again, no heating emergencies when you have a backup heat source.

7. I would be cognizant about gutting rooms. I don't do it willy nilly because it compounds the expense. Once you do that everything needs to be brought up to modern code. If you don't open everything up you have more flexibility on what you choose to upgrade. 

Walls can be patched and skimmed to make them look new without gutting a room.

8. If heating expense is part of your consideration, I would look at the house's insulation, windows etc. There are many ways to insulate a home. You can even blow insulation into walls from the inside without gutting the walls especially if you plan to patch and skim the walls anyways.