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I am considering buying a house that currently has electric baseboard heating. As a first-time home buyer, I am concerned that this may be a risky purchase due to this out-dated heating system. So my question(s) is: 1) How costly would it be to replace this system with a more modern heating system (forced air or other)? 2) Is this cost worth the time and effort, not to mention money, in terms of property value? 3) In your opinion, would it be more beneficial to "dress up" the current system rather than completely replacing it? Home details: 1100 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms/1 bath, no heating installed in the living room or kitchen. I have no info on the age of the current system or its efficiency. Property is located in Washington State. Thank you for any comments, Scott

Submitted: 54 days and 11 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Stephen Cutler 54 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hi and thanks for using justAnswer.com.
Electric resistance heating is the most inefficient, and therefore most expensive, way to heat anything. Currently there is a Fed rebate of $1500 for energy saving improvements. Any system you install will pay for itself compared to electric. And keep in mind Obama is hell bent on large price increases on energy to pay for his carbon tax. This will shorten the return on investment time. I would offer a price for the property as if it had no heating system at all.
I hope that this information was helpful to you. If it was please remember to click "ACCEPT" on your screen to make sure that I am paid for my efforts. By clicking ACCEPT you are not giving up your ability to ask more questions pertaining to this subject, and I will be happy to respond to these as well. Please take a moment and leave feedback, it is very important!

54 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks for your timely reply. I have just one follow up... I'm trying to weigh cost vs. benefit for this house. Can you provide some idea of price average for replacing something like this, and the equipment needed, given the info I have provided?

Accepted Answer

figure 10-15K into your budget- heatpump/ductwork or hydronic/plumbing

Accepts:
Expert:	Stephen Cutler
Pos. Feedback:	99.3 %
Answered:	9/28/2009

General C&ontractor

35 years of troubleshooting construction, remodel, component & material failures. What to do next

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