Floor vs Wall Panels

Steve Morberg

I am working on building 8 SFR homes in Eastern Washington. My profit margin is a bit of an unknown for something like this, so i'm in that stage of getting rough $ #'s right now. The climate is hot summers, cold winters, 300+ days of sun per year. Energy source over there is Electric which is pretty cheap compared to other areas of the State, and either forced air or baseboard. A local heating guy said to put in the forced air unit, with option for a heatpump, and then also have it ready to adapt to a static air cleaner for down the road options for the homeowner. Cooling then is the air conditioning route or heat pump at first thoughts, houses would basically be north and south, the way they would set up, so utilizing passive solar, windows, overhangs, ceiling fans, attic fans will need to be addressed.

I don't think anyone over there has used Radiant heating, i have yet to find anyone. The homes sizes i would build are probably going to be between 1300-1800 sq ft?? How much is the difference in cost from an Electrical forced air system to the flat panel radiators, with the high efficiency hot water and/or solar? I am guessing the logistics for this radiant heating of where Oroville is at, would be more expensive than having one done here??? so cost and the addressing the cooling solution. For some expense more, maybe it's going to give that added value factor to the project? My point is to start with more affordable housing and then move onto the vacation/2nd home project on another piece of property closer to the lake that would command a higher $ per sq ft.

I'd be curious what is the differences between going in floor or in wall with the panels also?

Thanks

Steve

tim smith

Steve, if you need a/c and profit margin

you will not be able to do this cost effectively on a lower budget housing development. Although it would be the nicest of all choices as far as comfort, it will cost substantially more to do. You are already putting in a air distribution system for a/c so it is little more to add heat to that. Adding radiant will be a whole other distribution system. Tim PS, if you want further info, I am in Seattle and you could call me at 206-571-6269

Josh_10

Steve, Where are you located? I have several colleagues in Eastern Washington I may be able to set you up with given your location.