Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 27, 1998 07:11pm | #1

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   We obtained old cast iron radiators that someone was throwing away to install forced air. We got 8 of them for $40, which will fit right in our 100yr old house. Before this it only had an oil space heater, but we excavated for a basement so now there is room for central heat, a gas boiler. Our heating contractor found some guy who figured out the BTU's of the old radiators, but for a new house the info would be easier to come by. There are better options than those crummy little pipes with the aluminum fins on them, perhaps there is a reference in Richard Tretheway's book.

2. 
   JohnE | Dec 28, 1998 06:51am | #2

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   Carl;

   Forced air heating does not reduce the humidity in your envelope. It can ADD humidity with a properly installed & controlled humidifier.

   Dust is properly controlled with replaceable pre-filters and cleanable electrostatic cells. This is NOT possible with hot water systems, in fact baseboard units are notorious for dirty walls due to electrostatic deposit of dust above the units.

   Do you plan to use air conditioning? You will end up with multiple window units or a plenum system to circulate the cool air. A combination of heat pump (summer cooling & fall/spring heating) AND a hot water system is what I expect in much colder climates than NJ

   I love hot water heat. You needed more facts before running out installing a system that does not meet your full needs.

   The cast iron radiators are nice due to the thermal storage. They just plain take longer to cool (and heat for that matter). This is also the negative of hot water. In the fall or spring, you cannot get just a quick heat for comfort.

   Cheers;
   JE

3. 
   Guest_ | Dec 29, 1998 06:34am | #3

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   coincidentally I just talked to someone who is ripping out their steam radiators and will be throwing them away. Some of these are beautiful, they out to be in a museum. Unfortunately a number of them are about 8 foot long each and must weigh as much as Dad's old Buick. I hate to see those beast melted down, isn't there some recycler of antique radiators that would pay the freight and pick them up?

4. 
   TJ_Alexander | Jan 01, 1999 03:47am | #4

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   A hot water boiler is the way to go for both heating and domestic hot water in most houses.
   An oil or gas fired boiler (there are many brands)
   along with an indirect water heater is the ticket.
   You now have the choice of hot water baseboard,
   radiant baseboard, radiant floor heat or an air
   handler to heat and distribute air. If you require A/C, you can put a coil in the air handler, or use a "mini-split" system or a high
   velocity system, made by Unico or Spacepac.
   This is the way commercial or high end residential
   jobs go, for maximum comfort and effeciency.

1. 
   Joe_Hammes | Jan 05, 1999 09:38am | #5

   *Carl:Check out Runtal steel panel radiators or baseboard; these look great and don't draft like copper-fin. They can operate at lower temps (140 degrees), heating like a radiant floor. I have lived w/copper fin in several houses and don't like it at all - it's almost as drafty as scorched-air systems.

5. 
   Carl | Jan 05, 1999 09:38am | #6

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   I am building a new house in New Jersey and I am trying to choose a heating system and components. We don't like Forced Air Systems, which our builder installs by default, because of the dry air and dust issues. I am leaning towards a gas furnace with hot water baseboard radiators but I can't find good references to comparative data, material options and manufacturers, especially with respect to radiator choices. Does anyone have any advise or suggestions.

   Thanks, Carl