Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jan 16, 2015 08:55pm | #1

   Electric or hydronic?

1. 
   user-4374332 | Jan 16, 2015 09:10pm | #2

   in floor heat

   Hi, thanks for replying.Hydronic. I'm considering this company but hesitate to tackle the project myself. Seems to me a proffesional should install. http://www.radiantec.com/pdf/Install_Indirect_Radiant_Heat_System.pdf

2. 
   jimblodgett | Jan 18, 2015 11:14am | #3

   Hydronic heating

   Depending on your local climate and how well your house is airsealed/insulated, hydronic heat can be a huge waste of money. 

   You're looking at what, 10.00/sq ft +/- for a professionally installed system?  You could heat a well designed/built home for 1/2 that and apply the other 1/2 towards upgrading the shell of the building, which would save countless BTUs over the life of the building.

   Is it great to get out of bed and feel that warm floor?  You bet.  Or to enjoy the quiet consistant warmth from a radiant system?  Sure.  But modern superinsulated houses have such low heat loads (especially in moderate climates) that these systems are often overkill.  Sexy, for sure.  But ultimately not money well spent.

   jb

1. 
   DanH | Jan 18, 2015 03:08pm | #4

   How is a well-designed hydronic system any less efficient than some other scheme?

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jan 18, 2015 10:56pm | #5

   Didn't say they are inefficient.  But they are expensive. And in a state of the art super insulated house, often unnecessary, able to deliver far more heat than these houses need.