Heat source for radiant floor system

Pam_2

Hello, I'm going crazy trying to decide on a heat source for a 4 zone radiant floor heating system for a new 3,770 sq. ft. house, including the basement. The fuel will be propane. I have a quote from Radiant Floor Co. using a Takagi Jr. And a quote from HouseNeeds using an Ambassador Axia combination boiler. I also got a quote for a Munchkin boiler and My plumber said he would only use a Burnham boiler. I worry about having enough domestic hot water using the combi. I worry about using the takagi because I just don't know if it can handle it. I would really appreciate some input, this is driving me nuts! thanks a lot

Al Letellier_9

heat source

There are many options out there for you. First of all, I would consider another plumber. He seems very narrow minded. We all have our favorites, but we have to be practical and use the best equipment for the application, and not all jobs are the same. We use a lot of Buderus and Weil Mclain Ultra boilers for gas. Teamed with a properly sized indirect, you will have all the hot water you need. I am not that familiar with the products you mentioned, but they should do the job if properly sized and installed.


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Unknown

You do not note what area you are in, so it's hard to say what you loads are. I will say the little combi boilers do NOT have much capability for DHW so if you're doing more than one major fixture (shower) at a time, you want something else for that. The Takagi is probably NOT a good choice for a house your size unless your load is very low.. and then, if it was ok, you'd probably be better off with a tank water heater. In general, if you are doing an all-radiant system, you are best off with a modulating/condensing boiler for a full size load, and a storage tank for DHW. Munchkin is one, there are many others. Tell the plumber you want a modulating/condensing boiler.. if he looks at you blankly, find another plumber and use whatever he is comfortable with that you can afford. Remember that what your locals can service and hook up properly is the first, most important consideration for boiler selection.

Also, do not install your basement at 18" o.c. and do not use huge pipe. And whatever you do, do not run heating water into your DHW system. Just in case.