Question on Hydro Air System

Joe Brix

Since hydro will allow you to vary the boiler water temp to adjust the warm air temp easier. You're still blowing air around and you will feel the on/off effect, I don't think there's a way around that. Many try to set hydro-air with VS blowers and run cooler (120-140 degree rather then 180 degree) boiler water. The blower will run longer, but usually it's kept on a lower speed to give you more even heating. The best advantage is the ability to still install baseboard and radiant zones.

Chuck Welch

Question on Hydro Air System

I was leaning towards a good forced HW system with baseboard and outdoor reset in my new vacation home but we are now reconsidering as we may want to allow for central AC a later time. I don't like forced hot air but dont' know much about hydro air. The house is 2 floors (1,900 sq ft) plus another 500 sq ft in the basement. It sounds like if I go hydro air I can keep the baseboard in the basement and air on the other two floors. Will this setup be as efficent as all baseboard ? Is the hydro air more consistent heat vs the temp swings you usually have with a forced hot air system ?
Thanks
Chuck

Dave Yates (PAH)

set-back option

In an application like yours (vacation home), hydro-air gives you a perfect opportunity to utilize deep set-back with very quick recovery. The hydronic heat emitters can take over (using a two-stage stat) once desired room temps have been recovered and that allows for optimum comfort.

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Al Letellier_9

hydro-aire

To minimize the "on-off" effect, use a commerically rated thermostat that allows you to vary fan response. You can set the fan to run all the time during occupied times and to cycle on call during the unoccupied times. A modulating 3-way mixing valve at the coil with a duct sensor will keep the temp "right on the button". It's a little more complicated than a straight set up, but will solve the problems you mentioned and give the ultimate in comfort and efficiency.

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