If heating is your only concern, I would go with the radiators any day. I have a steam heat system in my own home and hot water in an investment property. The hot water system is cheap to operate, quiet, doesn't have drafts, and you can always go sit on the radiator if you're feeling chilled. The only issue with recessed radiators is air flow. You need an area at the bottom for the cool air to flow across the room and under the radiator and then plenty of room at the top of the radiator for it to reenter the room. Some of the radiator enclosures restrict air movement and lower the efficiency of the system.

The only reason I see for the hydro air system is if you want a/c.

I love my water radiators and wouldn't change them for anything. Anytime you have water in pipes, there is a chance for leaking and I don't know of any added risk of leaking.

thanks, I do have to do a/c as well - anyone familiar with this Hydro air system?

did you ever find out info on the hydro air system? did you do it?

If you have access to cast iron radiators, DO IT. First of all to buy cast iron, now, is a fortune. Then, nothing, now or ever, holds the heat like cast iron. I hope you did it.

Thanks - but I really need info on the Hyro Air - not doing cast iron. My options are either baseboard or hydro.

How do you like your hydro air with AC compared to radiators?

The hydro air is better than plain forced air it is not as dry and holds the temperature more consistently in my opinion. Radiator heat and radiant heat feel better - much less dry and more consistent - but expense and radiators are the negative. Good luck!

Thanks for the response. How are the winters with hydro heat? I hear you on the overall feel, radiators have something that is hard to replace. How are the heat bills?

My bills are definitely less than they were with just forced air - I did do all direct vent, high efficiency units which, I think, made the difference.