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!

Categories: Heating
By MT | 02/24/2008 11:12 AM | Comment

What kind of floor do you recommend?


I just bought a house in PS, and our living room/dining room area (aprx 400 sqft) is covered with marble tiles. I don’t like the look of it, and it feels too cold. Also, we’re expecting a baby, and I’m worried about the hard surface. We’re planning to do gut reno in a few years when we have enough money saved up, but what can we do for the time being? I thought about laying down laminate floor ourselves, but someone said it’s toxic. Is that true? I was going to buy some IKEA laminate floor, because they’re cheap. Is it a bad idea? We can only spend up to 2K. I thought about carpet too, but we have a dog who sheds a lot. Any suggestions??

Categories: Floors
By MT | 08/28/2007 2:16 PM | Comment