System Design Question

Constantin

Rob and his crew are very knowledgable and they post quite frequently here and on the RPA Web-site. I would <a href="http://www.nrtradiant.com">look them up</a> because a good design is your first step in the direction of heating comfort and economy.

I am going to have him redesign a problem RFH system in Maine next year when the client has the money to do so. IIRC, they can deliver entire pump panels if you have little to no confidence in the piping/document-following skills of the local installers. If he is too far away (because you want frequent site visits, for example), perhaps he can recommend someone.

I have found him to be very responsive and responsible so even though you are separated by a state or two, I would give him a call.

ChrisCT

Heating System Design Question

This is a homeowner question. We just moved into a 2076 sq. ft. ranch house built in 1956. It is currently heated with two forced hot air furnaces that are original to the house. We knew when we bought the house we would have to replace these furnaces, and we both would prefer a hydronic based system. We originally thought we would go with hot water baseboard but after reading the Modern Hydronic Heating book, we're open to other hydronic options such as radiant. Half of the house is over a basement and two car garage, and the other half is slab on grade.
My question is, how do I find a company that can design a good system? I emailed Hydronic Pros back on the 15th, but never got a reply. Are these other online companies that design systems for $395.00 any good? What questions should I ask the designer? And should I do my own heat loss calculations? I was planning on having one company (like Hydronic Pros) design the system, and then get a local contractor to install it, does that make sense?

OK, that was more than one question, but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris.
Location: Near Hartford, CT.

Steve_35

System design

A competent contractor should be able to do the system design and installation. Look here to the Find a Pro section or check at the Radiant Panel Association for contractors in your area that may be ahead of the average.

www.rpa.org

BTW, Hydronic Pros has software available in the $395 range but you need more than that for the complete design.

jerry scharf_3

Chris,

Chris,

There are two ways to approach this. One is to hire a designer who will produce something on paper, then go out to bid with that. The second way is to find a very good contractor, and have them design and install the system. Even if you go the designer route, you are still facing the same problem of finding the same very good installer to put the system in. The installation is as important as the design, the best designs can easily be botched by an inadequate installer.

To me, it doesn't sound like you are looking to push the envelope and install an ultra fancy system, which would lessen the need for a separate designer.

For $395, I wouldn't expect it to be worth much of anything. Ar the rates a PE designer wants, you would be looking at 2-3 hours tops. So I would expect a heat loss calc and a whole bunch of boiler plate text. Not a design in my book. Since most of what they will do is a heat loss calc, why not do that yourself. There is free software available from the great folks at Slant/Fin, just go to the pipe on the top left and click "Free Heat Loss Calcs".

Here are a few things to consider:

First, the cheapest heat is the heat you don't lose. Looking at improving the insulation and leakage of the house is the best investment and where to start IMO. Lots of ways to do this, but often a blower door test is helpful. If you do your own heat loss, you can see how the insulation saves both installation (smaller equipment) and operating costs (less fuel.)

Second, there are a couple ways that I would recommend to heat your house. One is radiant floors/walls ceilings. These use the lowest water temp, feel cozy and take a bit more care to control the system. The second is using oversized flat panel radiators controlled by TRVs. This is a super simple control system that works great but takes up space in the room. Either of these setups can be designed by a top grade heating contractor. In either case, a condensing modulating boiler with outdoor reset is an ideal match.

One final thought. It's the start of the busy season for the heating contractors and designers. Since you have heat right now, you might want to lurk and read some more, then start searching out the better contractors in your area. Put together all the information you have, and start talking to people in March for a summer changeout.

just my $.02.

jerry

ChrisCT

Thank you!

Thanks everyone for the info. I'll get started with the heat loss calcs. One last question, for the blower door test, would I contact a heating pro or an insulation contractor?

Thanks again,
Chris.

Bob W._3

First check with your gas/electric companies to see if they offer a comprehensive energy audit that includes a blower door test. If so, you will probably get it at a greatly reduced rate. We did.