hyronic radiant heat

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Change of fuel and/or boiler won't "overload the system and cause leaks" BUT were this me I would NOT expose the system piping to the high pressure used when checking the new, near-boiler piping!

Have you checked to see if Mr. Spotz firm still exists? If so they just might have old blueprints--if not for your home, than perhaps for ones using similar heating systems. If not this, check the libraries (public, University, college).

The "highness" of a "high-efficiency" boiler is GREATLY influenced by the temperature required to operate the system. The higher temp temp required, the lower the efficiency. If the contractor has at least an idea of what size and spacing of those iron pipes embedded in the gravel, than he can make a reasonable estimate of the operating temperature.

To answer one of your original questions. Your system will VERY likely benefit from continuous operation of the circulator whenever heat is required. How much benefit depends on how closely the operating temperature matches the required temperature regardless of the weather.

I presume the present system does function. If so (and even with original plans) I'd suggest that a thorough contractor will operate the system, take measurements and make adjustments to see their effect.

My most sincere advice:

INSIST that the contractor conduct a thorough heat loss calculation! He should CAREFULLY examine the ENTIRE HOME and make suggestions for any possible thermal improvements. Your exterior walls probably aren't candidates for such, but the ceilings can likely have significant improvement. Suggested insulation improvements should be PARAMOUNT!

DO NOT however replace windows in a historic home!!!!! Even if you have solid metal, single-glazed frames and sash, reasonably efficient alternatives exist!

jim_84

hydronic radiant heat

I'm purchasing a home built in 1948 which has solid stone walls, slate roof and hardwood floors with iron pipes encased in gravel under them. The basement ceiling is solid so as to prevent the gravel from escaping. The system appears to be working but the boiler needs replacing. Are there special boilers for hydronic heat systems vs run of the mill boilers for radiator heat? Do I want the circulator to run differently with radiant as opposed to radiator heat?
What about the pipes, will they need to be replaced eventually? I have read about iron pipes embedded in cement reacting with the cement but gravel seems to eliminate that issue.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Can I suggest some detective work?

Sounds like a noteworthy home. If you're lucky the present owners will know at least the architect. If you're REALLY lucky, copies of the blueprints and mechanical diagrams are still in the house.

CAREFULLY search around the boiler for ANYTHING left by the original heating installer, e.g. an old inspection tag or even an embossed/engraved nameplate. Again, if you're lucky, the firm will still be in business and if you're REALLY lucky they'll still have plans or at least know of someone who remembers the system.

Failing this, check newspaper archives. I believe it was still reasonably common for construction or at least house-warming of notable homes to be mentioned--often including the architect and/or builder.

Why do I suggest this? Because you have an unusual system. Nothing wrong with unusual, but if you can find original design criterion and/or plans this will GREATLY aid anyone replacing your boiler or working on your system!

YES, the selection of a boiler is in part determined by the system to which it is connected!

Regardless of what (if any) information about the system you can find, choose your contractor with the UTMOST care. Do expect to pay a premium for both their time to understand this system and special research they may well have to conduct. Again: the more info you can find the better!

jim_84

I found out the architect's name was Jack Spotz who built several homes in the York, Pa area, all with radiant heat. He was a high end architect, somewhat ahead of his time. He is deceased. Local heating company who has been servicing the oil boiler has given me a quote of $8500 to install a high efficiency gas boiler and convert to gas, but I'm wondering if that may overload the system and cause leaks. The system does hold 10 lbs of pressure.

hr

Steel pipe systems

are still around and functioning. From my experience they seem to fail only when they are in a moist or wet condition. Then they rust from the outside in, and eventually leak.

It may go for many more years, hard to say.

Your systems has plenty of miles on it I think you should have a plan B in place if you are condsidering a boiler replacement. It may be possible to retrofit a new system on top of the subfloor should that one fail?

A good hydronic contractor familiar with radiant redo's should be able to provide options. Hard to offer much more than that without seeing you system and layout.

hot rod

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

Forgot to mention:

Check any local historical societies. They can be a true treasure trove of information--particularly if a well-organized "librarian type" is involved.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

You Hit My Two Passions

Unique old homes and heating systems.

Another thing you might consider is having a section of the pipe analyzed. While 1948 is late for such, the architect may have specified high-quality wrought iron pipe. High quality wrought iron is naturally corrosion resistant and very long-lasting.