Is forced steam heat less costly than other (non-oil) heat? I might rent an apartment that has radiators and..

Question

I was told it was "forced steam heat". How exactly does this differ from other types of gas heat as far as cost efficiency?

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, steam heat is efficient.

gas is the fuel and can be used to heat the air directly as in a forced air furnaces, or a boiler to heat water.

When water is used to transfer heat the system is called hydronic.  This is a radiant heat so the objects in the room absorb the heat.  Good for drafty locations.  Temperature changes are much slower, but it is efficient.