Customer Design Questionaire

George Peteya

Master Bedroom - the room used by he/she who pays the bill. Anyway, it's not just "do you want the bedroom cooler?" but "do you like to sleep at 65 degrees and wake up at 70?" This is the first question I ask when a customer says he/she wants radiant in the whole house.

Tom Meyer

We're putting together a questionaire to give to homeowners when we are designing the hydronics system for their homes. We've found many lifestyle issues affect how the homeowner wants the system to work. Can I get some ideas from you all on other questions you would ask?

Here are examples of what we have now:

What kind of flooring are you going to have in each room?

If there is a tile or hardwood floor, are you planning an area rug?

Do you prefer your bedrooms cooler than the rest of the house?

Do you prefer your bathroom warmer?

Do you generally prefer your house warmer or cooler than average?

Would you like your closets heated?

Would you like the area beneath your tub/spa/shower stall heated?

Is there an area in the basement you'd like to have unheated for use as a root cellar?

How many thermostats controlling which areas would you like?

Is there going to be a "low use area" you'd like to have relatively rapid response? (For example, guest rooms used occasionally, etc.)

Are you planning to install a whirlpool or spa?

Thanks for your help.

Senior Designer/Trainer
Precision Hydronics Corporation
www.precisionhydronics.com

Mike T., Swampeast MO

In what space(s) do you typically spend your evenings at home? Do you enjoy "cozying" on the couch under an afghan?

Do you generally set back your thermostat(s) when away during the day and/or at night? If so, how much?

Do you use an electric blanket and/or blankets and a comforter or prefer lighter coverings in bed?

How do you tend to dress while at home in the evening?

Are you generally annoyed by dry air in the winter? Does it aggravate any medical/skin condition?

Do you tend to be annoyed by slight noises when sleeping? absolute silence?

Are you accustomed to using ceiling fans and enjoy some air movement nearly constantly?

How much versatility to change floor coverings do you desire?

hot_rod

How long

do you plan on living in this home? That question alone will guide the design process fairly well

If this is a starter or middle home, generally, I have found, homeowners are reluctant to drop the big bucks for state of the art components and prices. Often "area radiant" (typically bath and kitchen warming" is a good match for this customer.

hot rod

PJO_2

A few more...

Would you like a towel warmer in the bath areas?

Does your house have specific areas that are affected by the sun?

Do you have a specific location for the boiler in the basement (vs. being tied to a chimney)?

How long do you plan on living in this home?

Do you tend to consider the environmental impact of the heating system (higher efficiency/solar possibility) versus the higher up-front cost?

The last two should be asked in that order to better argue for a more efficient system IMHO.

Take care, PJO

Tom Meyer

Thanks for all the input

After we develop a form, I'll post it on The Wall as an attachment in Word format so everyone can use it if they want.

Senior Designer/Trainer
Precision Hydronics Corporation
www.precisionhydronics.com

[Deleted User]

Number one question to ask that may avoid having to ask others..

How much money did you intend to spend on your new comfort system?

ME

Tom Meyer

Good point!

"Ye who pays da bill, picks the temperature." Unless of course HE pays the bill, and SHE picks the temperature.

Interesting point because if they want the temperature differential (sleep at 65 and wake at 70) then the responsiveness of the system certainly plays a big part in the design.

Thanks for your input.

Senior Designer/Trainer
Precision Hydronics Corporation
www.precisionhydronics.com

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Quite easy

With Danfoss TRVs equipped with remote setback!