I got a quote for a nw heating system tha is reasonable; $5500 for an
new Wheil McClean oiler plus asbestos removal.

The old boiler is a coal converted burnham. The advantage of the old
system is that it keeps the cellar warm in the winter and my wife does
the laundry in the basement.

If I replace the system is it possible that the house will not heat up
as well? The heat in the basement rises and presumably heats the
floor which in turn helps to heat the house. The last thing I want to
do is put in a system that ca't heat the house.
I realize that the old boiler is costing me money but at least the
basement is warm and I never have any problems.

Maybe I should have a baseboard installed in the basement near the
laundry ?

M