rescue37 & ronsr,
Thank you. I can see how the advantages depend on your situation. For example, a person who is not used to the noises might consider steam a big disadvantage. Or someone with children might appreciate having lower temperature heat source.
My comments on steam are also anecdotal and not scientific- but my entire Methuselain life I have had steam.
– Why do you say steam needs two pipes? There is only ONE connection to the radiator, as opposed to hot water radiators which require 2.
– New steam boilers have automatic refill technology, so no need to refill manually.
– How in the world does hot water travel to the 2nd or 3rd floor without a pump? I never knew this was possible.
The noise doesn’t bother me, I find it welcome. And I’ve been told that steam can be cheaper than hot water, so it seems like the answer is different depending on who you ask (and what he is trying to sell :))