best system for Midwest??

Brad White_9

whether embedded in concrete or staple-up or panels laid down have excellent warranties and longevity expecially at the low temperatures which you would be using. Many PEX manufacturers have extended warranties of 25 years or more, but that is not to say that is the lifespan. (Standard warranties for general products are one year to maybe five for compressors by comparison, but that is a fraction of actual lifespan most times.)

Your heating source naturally can be oil, natural gas (go condensing!), wood and other solid fuels have applications in more rural areas as you will see. Heat pumps and ground-source applications are a great way to make the low temperature water you seek if you use radiant floors.

In fact, our company is designing a system in Maine using ground-source. Ayuh.

I was surprised to learn that only about 6 percent of American homes have hydronic heating, which would include steam and hot water if my sources are correct. The rest are forced hot air and probably electric resistance.

If you want AC, then naturally some air distribution would be in the office. High velocity systems (Unico is one brand) can limit ductwork bulk. More conventional systems will allow filtration and can be integrated with hot water ("Hydro-Air").

But in broad answer to your question, the best system is the one that serves you most efficiently and is familiar enough to whomever services it. That may be you if too exotic, but you can certainly do better than most.

rdw

Best system for Midwest

I know this is a wide open question.......

I will be moving from California to the midwest, we will be having a home built there. Heating/cooling needs are vastly different than here is Ca......

I would like to look into geo thermo, in floor/radiant options.

I am not a heating contractor, plumbing only...my biggest concern on these systems is over the length of service of the piping itself. Any thought or suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave DeFord_3

What longitude?

> I know this is a wide open question.......

>

> I

> will be moving from California to the midwest, we

> will be having a home built there.

> Heating/cooling needs are vastly different than

> here is Ca......

>

> I would like to look into geo

> thermo, in floor/radiant options.

>

> I am not a

> heating contractor, plumbing only...my biggest

> concern on these systems is over the length of

> service of the piping itself. Any thought or

> suggestions would be appreciated.

Bob W._3

The "Midwest" is a big place with a lot of variations in climate. Where are you moving to?

GMcD

Envelope, envelope, envelope

Design an excellent envelope and it won't matter what the climate is outside. A "climate adapted" building envelope, orientation and window design is the most cost effective home comfort system, then look at the techno- stuff. Check out the multitude of technical articles, sources and links at Robert Bean's site www.healthyheating.com for total comfort systems.