Another \"what type of heat\" question...

Dirk Wright

I'm just speculating, but I believe that the small holes required for high velocity air makes it the easiest, fastest and cheapest to install. Also, your contractor may have been required by MA codes to install "all the bells and whistles". Definitely get more than one quote of course, and check out their records.

Jim Franklin_2

Another \"what type of heat\" question...

I've been reading this board since I acquired a "problem" steam house last winter. It's mostly sorted thanks to what I read here and in Dan's book. I now have another problem house...

Yesterday I bought a 2 story walkout ranch to fix & sell. It has all electric, with no gas line from the street, but I can have that remedied for $1300. It needs something more efficient, or at least more marketable (I'm in east-central MA). I need to do most of the work myself as I'm probably going to lose my shirt on this place.

FHW baseboard would be easiest for me to install. Retrofitting ducts for FHA would be a problem in the finished basement, and radiant is out. Gas would allow me to plumb for a gas stove & bbq. What's the cost difference between a new oil tank & burner vs. a $1300 gas line & $399 gasco-subsidized burner? Oh yea - the house has no chimney, so a new path for exhaust gases needs to be installed. Does this rule out oil?

I briefly looked at the Buderus site and liked their GB142 wall hung gas boiler that also does DHW. At around $4,500, are they worth the convenience they seem to have? Speed of install is important, as is the balancing of low cost to me vs. "wowing" the folks looking at the place when I sell it.

Thanks and sorry if this is disjointed, it's a bit crowded in my head this morning...

jim

Steamhead

Options

definitely include oil, many boiler makers make direct-vented models that don't need chimneys. Start with a complete heat-loss calculation- click the "Free Heat Loss Calcs" link at the upper left to get the software you need.

I'm not sure how prices go in that area but a standard oil tank is not as expensive as digging a gas line in my area. And renting a gas burner from the utility is a waste of money.

You may want to do most of the work yourself on this house, but do not try to install the boiler or tank yourself. This is where spending the extra money on a pro is well worth it, for safety reasons. Go to the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone near you.

Al letellier_10

type of heat

I'm an oil man myself, but what about propane???
Will give you the option of high efficiency gas boiler, side wall venting and NO $1300 gas line....who wants to deal with the gas utility anyway???

Joe Brix

Codes are strict in MA

so get a pro. But when it comes to fixing a house for re-sale, I don't think spending the extra cash on the highest efficency condensing boiler makes sense. That's why builders put in "builder grade" stuff. As said, LP or oil with a good brand name direct vent boiler with HW BB will give you the best heating system for the money. Work with a contractor to let you run the BB and thermostat wiring, let him do the rest.

Jim Franklin_2

Met with a pro today, he said I'm stuck using a high efficiency unit because of the venting. We didn't discuss fuel. Propane is out because of resale- lots of folks are freaked out about the tank and its dangers (realtor's words). And putting propane in the place where I live was close to $800 so it's not hugely more expensive for the NG install. FWIW - the $399 was to buy the NG burner, not a rental or lease.

The pro suggested a high velocity FHA unit, told me it'd cause the least pain to me to install, that the FHW baseboard would require lots more demolition. I like the "AC-ready" feature of it too. Said he likes the competitor to Unico, something like Aircode? Thoughts on this?

jim

joeoilman

burnham & utica/dunkirk make very nice direct vent oil boilers i'm sure you can find one to fit your needs. then add a highland 330 gal tank or 2 & you'll be stylin !!!

jeff_51

high velocity with air option in attic is very nice option

most of the guys here are wet heads and don't think much of "scorched air", but here in the midwest, it's about all anyone uses. Getting in a decent unit quick and inexpensively is of course the goal on a flip. We can't see the house, hopefully your pro is sharp and flexable and is giving you the best advice, We do all forms of heat and try to suggest the best options for the cust. Hopefully your pro is doing the same. You can always bring in another contractor and get his input. You should get at least three if you can. That will give you an idea of who is high, low etc.

Jim Franklin_2

Got the first estimate back. I knew I was in trouble when it came in its own glossy thick folder. $19,500. Apparently the guy wasn't listening when I said "cheap" and "flip". He's got every bell & whistle listed.

How difficult is it to install the high velocity air ducting compared to old style FHA ducting? I.e. are there special tools or processes, or is it pretty straightforward?

thanks,
jim

Unknown

Jim, if you wait two weeks you may find that electric is not as unmarketable as you think anymore.

All got installed during the last energy crisis, right? Well, where are we going here...?

Jim Franklin_2

Radiant

It ocurred to me this morning, as I was looking at Nuheat mats, that the unfinished slab floor basement/ground floor could be heated with radiant tubing. There are no obstructions such as walls to break through...it's easily zoned...how do labor costs compare for laying this vs running baseboard or high velocity air?

thanks,
jim