Radiant Heat (Radiators) or Convert to Baseboard?

[Brianne Leichliter]

I'm looking at a duplex that currently has separate furnaces, both being boilers with radiant heat (radiators, not ceiling, floor or baseboard).

The second story unit can easily be converted from a 1BR to a 3BR to maximize the property, but I would have to add heat to areas that are currently not heated in the attic.

I am thinking instead of dealing with radiators, that I should convert to electric baseboard heat. Seems like it would save me on maintenance with bleeding the radiators and potential leaks.

Either way I have an added cost to heat the extra units, but do you think it is wise to do a full conversion to the upstairs unit to electric baseboard?

[Mike McCarthy]

First, make sure your electrical system can handle electric heat. If it’s one room, no problem, but if you’re adding multiple rooms, you may be in for a service upgrade which adds $2K to the price tag.

Alternatively, I’d at least look into mini split units. They do both heat (heat pump which is MUCH more efficient than electric heat) and AC. They aren’t cheap, but might be worthwhile if you can charge a few hundred extra per month rent with full AC.