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I live on the coast of southern ME in a 2 story colonial, 2X4 construction, 2500 sqft, facing NE about 100 yds from the coast.
We have electric baseboard heat and are looking to convert to either propane or oil. We currently have a propane range and hot water heater. Is there a way to compare the merits of these heating methods, with respect to efficiency, yearly maintenance, years to pay back, installation and anything else we should be thinking about? We are thinking about FHW (allergies). WE pay about $250/mo electricity in winter.
Thanks.
Steve
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Hi Steve,
You will probably be best served by discussing the relative costs with your local plumbing and heating suppy house. They usually have a person on staff who is well trained in designing systems for particular circumstances and they also are well versed in local knowledge which would effect your decision. For that matter they will also be able to tell you about what might help you keep the allergens out of your home. If I were you I'd go to more than one supplier for planning advice even if it means driving some distance. You may also be able to do the job yourself this way and fine the savings your looking for.
There are one or two other matters worth thinking about which I can mention. Electric baseboard heat delivers almost all it's energy as convective heat, very little as radiant heat...not so good. Hot water baseboard heat, whether oil or LPgas fired, delivers almost all it's energy as radiant heat, a much more comfortable way to heat any home.
LP is a better and cheaper system to install for several reasons, like; burns much cleaner, doesn't require a masonry chimney. LP should be competitive with oil in your area.
The finest type of heat for a human habitation is radiant floor but it is more complex and expensive to install.
You may be advised to use a hot air system so that allergens can be filtered out more easily. If I were you I'd look for alternative means to filter the air and use hot water baseboard for the great difference in comfort radiant heat provides, particularly for children who live and play closer to the floor. It should also be the most cost effective for you.
Best wishes for a succesful job, Peter
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I live on the coast of southern ME in a 2 story colonial, 2X4 construction, 2500 sqft, facing NE about 100 yds from the coast.
We have electric baseboard heat and are looking to convert to either propane or oil. We currently have a propane range and hot water heater. Is there a way to compare the merits of these heating methods, with respect to efficiency, yearly maintenance, years to pay back, installation and anything else we should be thinking about? We are thinking about FHW (allergies). WE pay about $250/mo electricity in winter.
Thanks.
Steve