Hydro-Air & Hot H2O Systems for 2 Story colonial in NY

Rich_13

Building a 3200 sf, 2 story, center hall colonial in Carmel in Putnam County, NY. It has 2.5 baths, 4 bedrooms, future bonus room above garage with potential for 5th bedroom with bath & kitchen for mother-in-law(Yikes!)- will just be roughed in for now. Been getting prices and recommendations from contractors - everyone has a different plan - just trying to sort things out. Looking for a system that's a good balance between efficiency and cost.

Planning on going with 2 hydro-air systems - 1st & 2nd Floors with zone dampers.

What type of boiler should I use? Direct or indirect? What brand? Weil McLain, Burnham, or other? One guy proposes a 4 section Burnham. What should I know about the number of sections in the boiler?

What size hot H2O heater? Been getting proposals from 60 to 100 gallons. Should I use the boiler to make the hot water for the hydro-air system and domestic hot water or should hot water heater be separate?

How many (1 or 2) and what size oil tanks?

I know using the same ducting for heating and cooling is less than ideal. Any recommendations on placement of supply and return? Upper or lower wall? Ceiling?

Any recommendations on sizing main distribution plumbing for domestic water (ie. 3/4", 1", 1.25"). What about size of plumbing supplying hydro-air systems?

Last but not least. Anyone interested in giving me a price?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I'm sure cost is an issue, but don't discount a "true" hydronic system. Yes, I know the problem with two systems--one water and one air, BUT your cooling needs are likely much lower than your heating needs. A nice, proportionally controlled panel radiator system combined with some radiant in areas where they will be most enjoyed will provide exceptional comfort without extraordinary cost.

I'm betting that your home will have at least one large, open staircase and a generally "open" floorplan downstairs. It is quite possible to install a single cooling system in the upstairs (with supplies/returns from ceiling or high on wall--where they BELONG) and a large return and added supplies in the upper stairwell(s)/hall(s).

Even with the extreme summers in Southeast MO such layouts work surprisingly well and provide a good measure of comfort.

You WILL want to plan for separate control in the future "in-law" apartment!! Not all, but many elderly people have VERY different comfort needs than those younger. Such will be easy with true hydronic heat, and a small "split" A/C system would likely be ideal and could be added later.

If you do go with the hydro-air systems ask for "hi-low" returns. You will have a return register both high and low on the walls--you close the upper returns in winter and the lower returns in summer.