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Supplemental electric

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Tonerlow
Tonerlow Member Posts: 87
in Radiant Heating

I have a split level 1976 bungalow. On boiler heat with fin tube radiators. Heated in 2 zones one main floor and one basement.

We have a large south facing window which sees significant solar gains, this and/ir running to oven can cause the centrally located thermostat to remain satisfied throughout the day, causing the master bedroom in the NW corner to receive no heat for sometimes 6-8 hours.

I know the proper solutions would be repiping the upstairs into 2 zones and adding a thermostat closer to the west end of the house. But that would require repiping and removal of basement ceiling etc.

I was wondering the approximate cost of supplementing this room with and electric baseboard heater. Basically to take the temperature of the room from 17C up to a more comfortable room temperature when the boiler is not cycling.

Overnight or when it is cloudy the boiler provides plenty of heat to this room so I’m becoming less concerned of flow issues and thinking is it more likely the zoning problem.

Comments

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,831

    Consider moving the thermostat instead.

    HVACNUT
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 7,233

    @Tonerlow , can you explain the part about the oven? You're using an IR oven?

    The thermostat shouldn't be in the direct path of any solar gain. It shouldn't be in or near a kitchen due to cooking heat.

    The thermostat can be moved, or possibly a new thermostat installed that accepts wireless sensors.

  • DCContrarian
    DCContrarian Member Posts: 1,368

    Move the thermostat and put TRV — thermostatic valves — on the radiators away from the thermostat.

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,245

    Moving the thermostat for that single upstairs zone will not compensate for the difference in solar load in the afternoon. The fin tube is almost certainly piped in series, so TRV's will not work.

    While rezoning is preferable, the op's suggested solution is probably the most practical and economical way to get the job done.

    —
    Bburd
  • Tonerlow
    Tonerlow Member Posts: 87

    @bburd Thank you I have to agree the house will be set up in a series loop. This can be confirmed by closing the door in the basement which separates east and west sides of the house. With all dampers open the east side will maintain 3-4 degrees warmer than west side.

    If I knew I was going to spend 20 years in this house I would be looking at basement renovation and changing main floor heat over to in floor.

    But I think the electric supplement is best solution, thinking we may sell in the next 5ish years.

    It is a 15x15 bedroom. Original 1976 wood windows and 1976 insulation. Power is 16 cents/kw

    bburdhot_rod

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