Help - Radiant Floor heating

Chris Carnel

Hello...

OK...ready to pull the trigger on a radiant floor system from Radiantec out of Vermont. I've enjoyed my dealings with the company however I was a little suspect on the POlaris Water Htr. I called Bradford & White to just do a compare & contrast and the guy at B&W said for my application (1850's farmhouse, 3K sq ft, wood floors) I would need a boiler and not a water htr. ANy thoughts? I like radiantec b/c I can install tubing myself, save money, and then hire plumber for all the hook ups, etc. Also...I get my water from a Spring so that may put another wrinkle into this...

If anyone can share some wisdom I would love to hear it. I'm painstakingly renovating this farmhouse and I want to do it right and install what I believe to be the most efficient/comfortable heating system out there...any info would be much appreciated...

DanHolohan

Have you gone back to Radiantec

with this question? What did they say? Will they guarantee your comfort if you install what they have specified for the job?

Chris Carnel

Radiantec

I haven't but will do so...thanks for that suggestion. however these two folks at Bradford & white and Advanced Hydronics have somewhat convinced me that a boiler is the way to go for my house and that I also need to check what tubing I'm using with a boiler (as in Radiantec may not have the proper tubing) b/c it could cause corosion, etc...

Any thoughts on the boiler vs. water heater?

DanHolohan

I think

boilers are better for whole-house heating.

PJO_5

How about...

A heatloss calculation? How about problem areas (exposed rooms w/lots of glass, kitchen w/ too little floor space, etc.)?

Are you using staple up w/ plates? Check their plates carefully...they are not even close to a "typical" plate from what I see.

I'm not a contractor. I'm a H.O. who did the same thing you want to do. E-mail me if you'd like to take this discussion of the Wall...I have some experiences you may be interested in.

I would think the boiler is definitely the right choice, but you had better "do it right" here as far as protection if it's cast iron...and get a pro involved EARLY to help with the set-up and firing/testing etc. He will also see the big and little problems from his experience. It will be worth your while...and your money.

Just my humble opinion.

Wallies: I've been away for a while (new job, other stuff going on) but it's great to visit again.

Take Care, PJO

Chris Carnel

Thank you

Great...this is good to know...can I trouble you for one last question? Any brands that you would highly recommend? Any of these brands that I might be able to buy used from a reputable source?

Thanks again for your help and advice...I think you and the other folks just saved me a lot of money and headache by going with a Polaris water heater...

DanHolohan

It would be good for you

to email Patrick. Thanks.

Chris Carnel

Thanks again! This is a great & valuable site/service of yours

CHUCK HAWLEY

BOILER

I DONT RECEMEND QUIETSIDE

J.C.A._3

Chris,

Sounds like the "voice of experience" is sending you a BIG heads up. Take it as you will, but I would take it as a warning.

Like Dan said, Talk to Patrick. He'll make the decision so much easier and cheaper in the long run. Quality is priceless but comfort is worth FAR more. Chris