All --
Which is more efficient? Clearly (I think), baseboard water systems are the much more expensive initial install. How much more expensive?
More or less efficient than air? Diff for the hot/chilled water? I think a water system would be much more efficient, as the zoning is so much more controllable, effective. And, isn't the heat transfer to water much more efficient than the heat transfer to air?
Also, the mass of the baseboard system would tend to even the heat distribution.
Also, one has a greater choice of fuels/machinery with hot/chilled water.
Lastly, the water circulating pumps draw very little current, while blower motors/boosters can draw boucou amps, esp. on startup. Water is also much quieter.
Water systems might not be the best choice in very cold climates, unless antifreeze is used -- which might not be legal in some places. OTOH, in places that use solar heating and water for energy storage, water systems could be a no-brainer, at least for the heating part.
Opinions?