Heating sysytem replacement

We currently have an oil-fueled steam heat in our 2-family brick house. We live in lower level (garden + basement) and we rent out upper level. Since we’re not very happy with the steam heat system (expensive fuel, stinky furnace, eneven heat, loud & noizy radiators, etc.) and our floor needs to be re-done, we started thinking about radiant heat for both basement & garden level. We’ve been reading about radiant heat at Brownstoner recently, and it sounds much cleaner & cost efficient. But, does it make sense to give upper level a different heating system? Since they have beautiful hard wood floor, we want a system that requires least amount of destruction. We’re thinking that we get radiant heat system with new floor, and give renters a water-heater system. What do you all think? How big of a job is it to remove the current steam heat system? How much would it cost, approximately? Any advice/input is appreciated. Thank you!

By MT |