What city are you in?

I am a little over an hour due north of NY city. Southern putnam county

There are a lot of different systems you could use. To start with and to help narrow it down, have answers to the following questions:

1. What you are willing to spend on this?
2. Is central A/C required or are through he wall A/C units or no A/C acceptable?
3. Are separate zones required for upstairs and downstairs?
4. Do you want to keep the cast iron radiators downstairs?
5. Do you have occupied slab on grade areas?
6. How simple or complex of system are you comfortable owning and operating?
7. Do you have attic space for equipment?
8. Do you have basement space for equipment?

1 - What am i willing to spend - This is tough to answer because i really do not know the cost of this specific area . I am willing to pay a fair price for a good system. I know this is not the best answer for this question, but i am hoping that as i educate myself on what the right systems is, i will determine a comfort level in terms of cost/quality/comfort

2 - central A/C a must

3 - separate zones - yes, upstairs, downstairs and basement ideal.

4 - I would like to keep the cast iron - howeve I am open to loosing them when it comes to pricing. I.E. if its 30 % more to keep them - then it does not make sense

5 - I have a basement thats partially finished. I wil be finishing this down the line so i want to plan ahead for this

6 I am comfortable with a more advanced system, once the efficiencies and complexities make sense in terms of added cost

7/8 I will have a full open 9/12 attic space and a partially finished basement - 7.5 ft ceilings. I will also have a small mechanical room in one corner of the basement that i can make bigger depending on the equipment i need to put in

Couple of more comments - I currently have oil - but not married to oil. If Gas makes sense -then i would consider it.
I do have preferences, such as keeping the cast iron - radient etc, but it all boils down to cost...

I have also looked at adding 3 solar panels to the mix for hot water......

thanks again

Does anyone have any comments on my delima..?

Thanks :)

You could do radiant heat + central A/C (using a condenser and air handler) or a gas furnace + air conditioner. Are you opposed to a heat pump (provide both heating and cooling)?

Can you sum up what your exact problem/question in mind is? Are you trying to determine the best method to heat and cool your home? The best thing to do is have some contractors in and have them give you their prices and thoughts, then factor in your preferences.

Are you satisfied with the radiant heat that you currently have? Depending on your fuel costs, heat pumps are economical ways to heat and cool. You say second floor; is the HVAC upgrade going to apply to the whole house? You could consider a dual fuel setup with gas and a heat pump.

My exisiting heating setup is end of life. I have Cast iron Radiators -which are nice - no AC. I would consider using the cast iron again.

I need input in terms of what are the more common setups out there right now in terms of cost/efficiencies. I am meeting with a contractor next week. I am realy open to anything that makes sense once the cost makes sense

Right now, I think a heat pump would be a good idea. If it gets cold up there, then I'd consider a backup heating source of gas. This is called a "dual fuel" setup or "hybrid heat" setup--ask the contractors what they think of this. Post back once you meet with the contractors so then we can see their suggestions and comment on them.