[epawls]

My boiler just went. Some kind of cone that is not manufactured any more... anyway, I am in the market for a heater. Since I live in Pa... and it is getting a little cold out, time is of the essence. My question is... should I convert to electric convection, gas or stick with another oil burner. As of right now, I have baseboard heating. I have no issues with ripping it out and capping the supplies. A little background. 2 story house 2000 square feet. House is on a slab. I am looking for the most efficient way to heat a home. Im not so sure if oil is the way to go.

[hvac1000]

In your area a boiler works out well. If you go with forced air gas,electric etc you will then have air blowing around in the home so it will be different than baseboard.

It is difficult to predict the future when it comes to oil,electric or gas prices. A heat pump will always provide a reasonable utility cost basis but the sacricice is that air movement and more repairs over the lift of the unit.

If it was me I would stick with a boiler system but I would not buy a 90%+ unit since they need more repairs. A good quality 80 to 85 % unit will work well,not need excessive service and last a long time.

You may also consider spending a few $$$ to tighten the house up. Insualtion,windows etc.

[epawls]

Yeah... I wasn't going to go with forced air... no duct work in the house. I have seen those electric baseboards-they are hard wired and have silicone instead of water in them. Oil right now is above 3.00 a gallon... I didn't know if gas was more efficient than oil... I don't see the price of oil going down dramatically anytime soon.

[hvac1000]

No utility will get cheaper. The electric heaters are all 100% efficient and the silicone units are no better than the regular electric base board units. It is all a sales pitch.

There is no cure for energy usage except to run the home at a cooler temperature to save money.