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hydronic radiant ceiling heat?
Gordy_2
Member Posts: 43
I'm a homeowner first off. Second I'm the proud homeowner of the same type of radiant system in my circa 52 ranch here in northern Ill. My system is still running beautiful after 54 years. The copper tubing is imbedded in the plaster in the ceilings. Check condition of plaster. If there is substantial cracking could be the system was/is running to high of water temperature 115* Max should be all that is needed if that. If it is a well designed system.
I would get a pro involved to inspect the system, give it his blessing that there are no leaks, and boiler is ready for active duty. He can tell you if the boiler has been maintained on a yearly basis.
See if the water feed valve is open or close. If its closed and the pressure gauge is holding at around 12 psi probably no leaks in the piping.
I can't tell you which way to go on this with out total confidence that the piping won't develop leaks down the road. I myself have been fortunate that my system has been trouble free. Alot depends on water Ph, quality of copper, workmanship.
What I can tell you is that ceiling radiant is a wonderful thing and can keep you every bit as cosy as radiant floors. Don't expect warm floors from radiant floors all the time if that is what you are expecting.
It just does not happen that way unless the home has a large heatloss for its footprint.
Gordy
I would get a pro involved to inspect the system, give it his blessing that there are no leaks, and boiler is ready for active duty. He can tell you if the boiler has been maintained on a yearly basis.
See if the water feed valve is open or close. If its closed and the pressure gauge is holding at around 12 psi probably no leaks in the piping.
I can't tell you which way to go on this with out total confidence that the piping won't develop leaks down the road. I myself have been fortunate that my system has been trouble free. Alot depends on water Ph, quality of copper, workmanship.
What I can tell you is that ceiling radiant is a wonderful thing and can keep you every bit as cosy as radiant floors. Don't expect warm floors from radiant floors all the time if that is what you are expecting.
It just does not happen that way unless the home has a large heatloss for its footprint.
Gordy
0
Comments
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Help!
I am in the process of buying my first home. One of the homes I am very interested in has a hydronic radiant ceiling heating system. The boiler is fueled by oil. (hopefully this makes sense or I am misunderstanding the system - my realtor pointed out the copper tubing that carries the heat if that helps to clarify what the system is) This is a ranch built in 1951 in western Massachusetts.
I searched a few forums and on google, but could not find as much information about this type of heat as other systems. It seems it has not been commonly used in the last 30 years.
Should this heating system be a major concern for me? I would probably make an offer on the house if not for my concern over this. (It seems most feel radiant heat is very good, but they are generally talking about floor heating I believe)
Is there anything in particular I should watch out for or ask for more information?
Any help is greatly appreciated. This will be my first home and I am a nervous wreck.
Thanks!0 -
Thanks, Gordy. I really appreciate your input.
Mark0 -
Many in use still in Richmond
Here in Richmond, VA there are quite a few homes on the older part of town with copper radiant cielings that have been in since the '60s. The owners love them. Some have had leaks, but give me break, you get to fix leaks in lots of stuff in a house that old. It comes with the territory.
Have pro check it all out if your worried and if you like the house go for it.0 -
Thanks for your post Scott.
I made an offer tonight. Hopefully, they accept.0
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