I have a 1915 era 1 1/2 story home approximately 2700 sq. ft., that currently has an old Crane boiler on its last leg. Do I want to run ductwork and put in a forced air furnace with A/C? Or should I stay with the hot water heat? Which is the most efficient overall, a high efficiency boiler (85+/- AFU) or a high efficiency furnace (94+/- AFU)? Although I really would like central air too, would the cost be too great with having to run the ductwork? Everyone that has sent me literature says they're the best and most efficient etc...My head is just spinning....got to do something before fall. Can anyone explain this to me without any bias?

RBULTMAN Just an unbiased opinion.O.K....HVAC is sorta a hobby for me so here goes...I like oil heat baseboard hot water. I live in upstate N.Y. where it gets kind of cold.The big issue to me with hot water heat is that you seem to get a moister kind of heat. You know, not as many static shocks when you touch someone!!! Forced hot air without a climatizer in my neck of the woods sometimes gets shockingly suprising.You also get what i call free hot water if equipped with a tankless water heater. however i think there is more maintance involved with a water system especially if you have high mineral or impurity content that also has to to be corrected............Now hot forced on the other hand is in my opinion more efficeint,but seems to have that dryer heat effect to it.I also consider it to be a dusty-er heat source unless you spend the $$$ and get the better systems available onthe market today and lets not for get the air conditioning possibilities. .... ON a final note keep in mind the word (efficient).Good insulation,weather sealing and seasonal maintainance are all part of that GOOD LUCK ......... JIMBO