Hydroair vs New Hot Water system

dorch

We are doing a major whole house renovation and need to replace our HVAC. We got quotes for installing a new conventional hydro air system (2 zones - 1st and 2nd floor) vs installing a hot water system with recessed radiators (including radiant floor heat in bathrooms and toekicks in kitchen). We'd need to install AC separately so the hot water system is a significantly higher investment (still finalizing quote but could be almost double).

Any thoughts on the benefits or drawbacks to each system? We've been told hydro air with a humidification feature is more comfortable than a furnace heated hot air system but we would like the most comfortable heat. Any thoughts on the two systems would be appreciated especially regarding annual maintenance fees, comfort levels, etc.

Henry

We are one of the largest plumbing heating contractors in the region. We install on average 200 boilers a year, mainly hydronic but also some steam. I do litigation and forensic work for insurance companies and lawyers. I am also a voting member of two national gas codes. How do I heat my house? Natural gas hot air with a fully modulating burner and fan plus outdoor sensor. I use a General steam humidifier for the winter. Heat pumps are not efficient up her, so I use a 3.5 ton 2 stage air conditioner. Electronic air filter with a prefilter keeps the dog hair and stink out of the house. It is pure comfort!

Steamhead

Go with hydronic. I've lived with both scorched-error and radiators, and there is no comparison. Water-based heat wins every time.

Also consider that if you take the spec builder/landlord/cheapo way out and try to make one set of ducts serve both purposes, it will be wrong for at least half the year. This is because most of your heating load is on the lower floors of a house, while most of the cooling load is at the top.

RobG

If it is a gut re-hab consider radiant ceilings. They are just as comfortable as radiant floors without having to deal with the flooring/ carpet restraints. As for maintenance, there is maintenance with any system, air or water. Choose your equipment and installer wisely.