1. SteamSteam systems, either one pipe or two pipe, boil water, which expands to radiators and then returns to the boiler. With existing one-way piping, we need a new boiler, which could last 20-40 years depending on care/maintenance.
3. Forced AirA forced air system heats air in a furnace which is then moved to various areas of a house via ducts. Ducts are typically built into the framing of a house during initial construction. Retrofitting the house with ducts would take away livable space. However, with ducts we would also be able to add AC.
|
2. Hot WaterHot water systems have a delivery and a return pipe from each radiator, making it a two-pipe system. To retrofit our system we would need a new boiler, an additional set of piping, and potentially new radiators.
4. Ductless Mini-split Heat Pump A heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that can run forward or backward depending on the need to either heat or cool. The two types air-source and ground-source move heat from the air and soil respectively. Mini splits air source heat pumps are great retrofit options because refrigerant conduit can be install on the exterior of a house. Also, occupants can independently control the temperature of various rooms. (Learn more from CERTs)
|
Pros:
|
Cons:
|