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You should get anywhere from three to five quotes for HVAC replacement to get an idea of the average cost of a new unit. Although this quote-collecting process can be time consuming, it allows you to compare what work is required, what type of unit you should install, and how much you should expect to pay for the service.

It takes about five to 10 minutes for heat to reach a radiator, then about one hour until the radiator fully heats up a room. The exact duration depends on the size of the room and how far away the radiator is from the boiler heating system. Heating up an entire house could take up to two hours.

A furnace is a big unit where gas, heating oil, or electricity heats the air. The warmed air is then pushed back out through ducts and vents. 

A boiler uses electricity, heating oil, or gas to heat water that is pushed into the room through a radiator. This is one of the oldest and most effective ways to heat a house, but radiators can also be unsightly and leave hot and cold spots in the room.

Heat pumps use a refrigerant to move heat from outside into the house and return it to the room through ducts and vents.

Hydronic and standard electric baseboard heaters differ in how they operate, their cost, and their performance. Standard convection heaters use electric coils to heat the air directly, while hydronic heaters warm a contained liquid like water or oil, which then radiates heat into the room.

In terms of cost and efficiency, hydronic heaters usually have a higher upfront price but are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run over time. This is because the heated liquid retains warmth, allowing the heater to continue providing heat for a while after the thermostat turns it off. In contrast, electric heaters provide heat more quickly but are less efficient.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your priorities. If you need a room to heat up fast and have a lower initial budget, an electric heater might be suitable. If long-term energy savings are more important and you don't mind a slower heat-up time, a hydronic heater is likely the better option.