Diakin vs. steam

Steamhead (in transit)

so I had to Google it- this being the case I wonder if they have enough presence in this country to maintain a ready supply of parts if you should need them.

Then there's the disruption to your house that would result if you went that way, and the added expense involved. No need to elaborate there.

Those two G-8 boilers should be looking REAL good to you.....

And my offer still stands.

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John_173

Save us from the demons of the (scorched) air

I have floundered around for a number of years nursing an old 2-pipe, pumped return steam system while searching for a qualified pro to revamp our system. It is an old house in western South Carolina with 18-24 inch thick exterior walls of stone & plaster. Some exterior walls are now interior due to additions. The below-grade space ranges from low standing room in the boiler room through claustrophobic crawl space to almost nothing.

I’ve had proposals to convert the steam to hot water, put in ducted forced air, put in mini-splits, etc. Now a local contractor is pushing Daikin equipment. I’ve no doubt the product is good. The A/C and dehumidification features are great selling points. I don’t believe it remotely meets the needs and limits of my application.

Of course A/C would be nice. Yes, electricity is now much cheaper than propane (my only real choices). But, radiant heat is far more comfortable. Second, can the cost of removing twenty radiators and snaking the coolant and electric lines through 100-year-old walls be remotely affordable? Third, imagine the aesthetic conflict between an old house & an institutional HVAC unit! And then there is the issue of adequate electrical supply….

I need some guidance. Not to talk money, but I can't imagine two Smith G-8's could touch this proposal.

Postings here convince me that a tandem gravity return steam boiler solution ought to work. Even a pumped return makes more sense than ripping everything out. Several pros have kindly addressed specific questions I’ve posted here. I’ve been in occasional off-the-Wall conversation with Steamhead. I’m not trying to nickel-and-dime anyone, but I could use some straight advice concerning this latest proposal (which begins to feel like bait-and-switch).

Thanks to Dan for this site and for his books. Also thanks to all the regulars here – I continue to learn ‘most every time I come here (which is multiple times per day).

Boilerpro_5

Hmmm...sounds like a working vacation to me, Steamhead...

I am down that way almost every year now. Give me a call if you'd like.

Boilerpro


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Jack

Daikin owns McQuay

So I guess they are for real this time. They have left the American market the way the Baltimore Colts became the indy Colts...twice. I'm assuming that you are talking about their large variable speed multi-ton units that can handle many interior evaporators. They are piped in kind of a primary/secondary arrangement.

I represent Fujitsu, a competing product to Daikin. We are not offering that type system in the US currently but I have replaced them in specs with our 2 and 3 ton multi evaportator units quite effectively from a]both performance and cost. Should you choose go with the the mini-split style Fujitsu you will not be in the "scorched air" situation. These are all inverter drives and give variable speed operation in heating and cooling mode and are really excellent from a performance and technology standpoint. In your area they can be used as a primary source of heat. In New England, where I live, they are a supplemental heating source and give excellent performance in the dehu/cooling and shoulder season heating market. Depending upon the lay-out, which you refer to, they can be an excellent option for you. As well, there are new interior evaporators for the multis, which can be completely concealed. You have many options there. Check out www.fujitsugeneral.com/products/multi

Then again, perhaps the guys will take a road trip to SC

There are

Steamhead (in transit)

When

will you be going next?

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John_173

Thanks -

Steamhead, I'll e-mail you first of next week & maybe we can get something going. Let me get through the weekend. I also had and let slip a possible contractor. If you do the consultation, perhaps we could schedule time when you & the contractor could meet.

Boilerpro - Thanks, as well. I've appreciated your postings over the years (most recently, this & the u-value post). Had I not already spoken with Steamhead I'd be honored to have your on-site assistance.

Of couse, with such luminaries, perhaps Mr. H. should come as well. The three of you could drill some sense into these Southern airheads.

Jack - Thanks for the Fujitsu info - I'd looked at that & may still find a place for it in the third storey. It does sound like Daikin intends to make a concerted campaign here in the States. Still, the Daikin VRV-S product seems more appropriate for new construction rather than retro-fitting.