Were designing now with plans to build in the spring of 08. I’m looking for feedback on radiant in floor heating, mostly about the most cost effective way to fuel the system. I read electricity is costly….and we have the option of bringing natural gas to the site (for $7,000)… so wondering if anyone has suggestions. Thanks in advance for any information.
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Tell us more. Where is the build, what climate? What type of structure? What building envelope energy efficiency? Will the building have its own drilled well or town water (in case ground source heat pump is an option).
Before you make your decision I would consider the following:
1. Determine the type of construction stick built, SIP, ICF etc.
2. How large of home?
2A. What type of home, is it passive solar or ..? The passive or active solar in the right climate can reduce your hot water and heating to nearly zero if properly engineered epically if it is a ICF home.
3. What climate zone will you be building in?
4. How many occupants. (#Children, teenage girls lots need lots of hot water for shower and laundry)?
5. How long do you plan to live there?
6. What type of heat system? Forced air, in floor hot water, heat pump, on demand heat for hot water or use with a moderating storage tank for RIFH. ??
7. Do a cost analysis between Electric, Piped in NG ($7K) and Propane.
This ought to be a good start on most of the major areas to consider. You need to factor in all the above variables and then determine your best approach. I suggest to seek out a local energy star consultant and have them review your plans and provide a guideline on your projected energy reqirments.
Good Luck
Jf btw I am not a builder, just a diy'er.
$7,000 just to get gas. Hmm. You man consider using a direct exchange geo-thermal system. You wouldn't need to pull a gas line then. And the money you saved there would offset the cost of drilling for a geothermal system which would be the cheapest to run.