Hello all,
I live in an approximately 45yr old home heated by hot water(hydronic) heat, and an old Chrysler AirTemp central air unit. The boiler is an old Burham Holiday that has started leaking in several locations, and the expansion tank is pretty much shot. The central air system is a totally separate stand-alone unit, just like the boiler. Both operate on two separate thermostats, White-Rodgers for the heat, and Honeywell for the air. If it gives you any idea how archaic these two systems are, does anyone remember the old Honeywell thermostats that had the little knob on the left-hand side to select your desired temperature? I know the old Chrysler units are LONG obsolete, and I had trouble finding a contractor who could even locate parts for it(one guy had never even heard of them)...
I am thinking about retiring the old boiler system and installing a new furnace/central air/electronic air cleaner. My question is, can this be done, will there by any major modifications needed to the ductwork, and how much should I be prepared to spend on such a project? Would it make more sense to just buy a new boiler and new central air system? What are some of the makes/models I should consider, and those I would be advised to stay away from? I've heard mixed things about Carrier/Tempstar/etc... I've budgeted roughly $5000(can) for this project, give or take a couple hundred...
Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Dave.