Sizing radiant system in remodel

Al Letellier_9

Paul, every structure is different and the heat required will vary with construction and all the details you mentioned. You need to find a heating pro, an engineer or a consultant to do a proper heat loss on YOUR building. Rules of thumb don't apply when doing the job correctly. After the load is determined, you can look into options for your boiler, but a water heater is a water heater, and life expenctancy is far less than a boiler.....and local codes may dictate what you can and can't do.

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Paul Stover

System sizing

I'm doing a remodel and I'm adding 1000 sq. ft of heating space to my 600 sq. ft. I currently have. My current system is a radiant slab powered by a 40 gal dedicated water heater. The additional 1000 ft. will also be radiant. How do I calculate the amount of btu's I need to heat my new project. Should I consider a electric boiler over the water heater. (We dont have gas or propane) My cabin is at 8700ft in elevation with lots of south facing glazing.

ALH_4

Laing

I would get rid of the electric water heater and go with a Laing EPR heater. You practically eliminate your standby loss from the water heater, and they have a lot more control.

-Andrew