Water to Air Heat Loss

Does it make sense to go from water to air or is it better to go air to air? I have a kb8 and I'm going through the coast of installing radiant floor or go through the plentum on the oil furnace. If its better to go through the furnace than my be I'll sell the k8 and get a coal warm air funace. I think that burning coal it doesn't matter , but I need to talk to you guys to find out for sure.

Do you want to heat domestic hot water with the boiler? Any areas in the house that need extra heat? If not, than perhaps a furnace is the better choice. What is the cost difference?

not going to heat the dhw and the coast difference is thousands , One more question, can I use the duel fuel coal furnace as my primary (oil) and the coal as my back-up what I'm trying to say is if I remove my current oil furnace and replace it with the coal warm air furnace will I be able to use my current chimney or have to build a new one

Air to air probably the most difficult transfer to accomplish. And boilers last a loooong time compared to furnaces. My $.02.

Andrew,

Read through this thread when you get a chance, and ask him questions if you have any. I think it will be a big help, and pretty similar to your situation.

From OWB to EFM520 Installed in Truck Box

Ed

Mostly it will depend on the size of the load
a very small load and small space is easily and somewhat comfortably heated with a small stove

eventually the energy has to be given up to the air regardless

"It Depends" where its best to do that transfer

It is easier to move heating energy with a wet system {hot liquid or in a vapor such as steam} than it is in air only

so the question is best answered with question(s) = such as- how comfortable do you want to be and how large an area do you wish to heat at that comfort level?

Kind Regards
Sting