Well, I will assume your remodel will include insulation upgrades where indicated. It should especially taking into consideration the age of the condo.

Radiant heat would involve a boiler powered by electric or nat gas. Just wondering if the main building's boiler could power the radiant heat.

If you want a forced air system, that would include a ductwork system unless you were considering mini split HPs. Is there room overhead perhaps in attic for a ductwork system?

I would review options including your fuel choices and their rates. Is AC something you want or need? Top floor units may be warmer and need AC.

Just really brainstorming on the fly.

Are their budget considerations?

IMO

Are you opposed to steam heating because the radiators are ugly? If that is the case you can buy four custom radiators in several styles and colors.

Here is a link to give you some ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Runtal Steam Radiators

I found out today from talking to a contractor friend that electric radiant heat won't work for us - don't have enough electrical amps coming into the apartment. Don't like the idea of using a water system - too complicated in these old floors. The frustrations of working within the limitations of a 1926 building.

I love the look of the Runtal Steam Radiators. I wonder if they can be used to replace an old-fashioned single pipe steam radiator? It is definitely worth talking to them. Thank you both.

I would suggest a Rinnai Energysaver Direct vent gas units. Simple install, quiet and efficient. As well if you are looking for cooling you could go with a mini-split heat pump. I use a combination of the Rinnai's and Fujitsu mshp's to heat my home in Nevada City. Great zoning, great comfort and very economical operation.

As much as I love hydronic systems your best solution may be a multi-head split inverter heat pump with the indoor units being built into either the walls or ceilings. This way you will have both heating and air-conditioning with each indoor unit being a separate controllable zone.

SR

I am not disagreeing with the above post. But you definitely want to understand your electric rate. California has some if not the highest rates in the nation and depending on your utility the rates may be tiered. I do like the idea of having AC as well as heat. The Bay Area has relatively moderate winter and summer temps.

IMO

Hoganfour, I also live in San Francisco and am remodeling my 50+ year old apartment unit. I'm curious what solution you ended up using? Are you happy with it??

Hello jimrothca. We ended up putting radiant heat in the bathrooms under the new stone tile floors and love it. This was a minimal drain on the amps.For the rest of the apartment, we kept the old steam radiators, but attached thermostatic radiator control valves to them to better control the temperature. We also had the old radiators sand blasted and powder coated at Champion Powder Coating on Fairfax. They look great! Is the solution perfect? - No. But it looks great and works pretty well without re-inventing the wheel. :-)

Sounds like a practical solution. Did you use electric radiant heat in your bathroom floors? Or hydronic?