Is a boiler heating system (ie: radiant or hydronic) more energy efficient than a hot air furnace heating system?

Answer: No
Explanation: depends on AFUE

Answer: No
Explanation: Efficiencies are set by AHRI which is the department of energy and boilers have to go through the same SEER program that forced air furnaces go through.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: They both use the same utilities to provide heat. A boiler will provide more comfortable heat, but we usually will still need to set a forced air system for Air Conditioning. So double the costs for needing two systems.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Radiant heating has a number of advantages over other forms of heat distribution: “It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts.” It is also flexible as it can run off of a variety of energy sources: Gas, oil, wood, solar and other sources or combinations thereof can feed radiant systems. And radiant heating is a good choice for those with severe allergies as no potentially irritating particles get blown around the room.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: All about the installation and the needs of the customers. A boiler system does not cool the house, if the customer wants air conditioning

Answer: No
Explanation: It puts out a different type of heat and is less apt to dry out the air.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: It normally is. But it does depend on your heat source.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I like to say Yes but it depends on what kind of structure/building we are talking about. There are many factors that must be looked at before you can make that call. A design eng. with a survey would be a good starting point.

Answer: No
Explanation: Depends on the boiler

Answer: Yes
Explanation: because it radiates even after it is shut off

Answer: Yes
Explanation: more control of btu's

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes, they are typically more efficient but there are high-efficiency hot air furnaces available as well.