hydronic heating unit

16 years ago

I am building a new home and will be using PEX tubing in a concrete slab on grade lower level of 1350sq/ft and 1500sq/ft main level embeded in gyp-crete. My question is two fold:

What heat source is more efficient, direct vent on-demand heater or a boiler unit. My fuel choice is propane or electric.

Which manufacture of the boiler/device is recommended.

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Comments (5)

fsq4cw
16 years ago
Have you considered geothermal?

SR
jeffreyb2
Original Author
16 years ago
I don't know if that will work on my project. Doesn't that require drilling or laying long pipes or tubes underground?I would like additional info if you think it would work. I am building at the top of a slop and do not have alot of extra room on the building pad that is useable after the septic is installed.

My e-mail is busch_joe@hotmail.com
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neohioheatpump
16 years ago
well I know one thing for sure - propane is expensive. Electric is the way cheaper. Most common ways around here are with forced air. With a forced air heatpump you can heat and cool with the same unit. Heatpumps are great unless you have very expensive electricity. Heatpumps work very good very new homes where they are well insulated and tightly sealed.

What part of country are you in?
What is your total cost for a KW of electricity?
neohioheatpump
16 years ago
well I know one thing for sure - propane is expensive. Electric is the way cheaper. Most common ways around here are with forced air. With a forced air heatpump you can heat and cool with the same unit. Heatpumps are great unless you have very expensive electricity. Heatpumps work very good very new homes where they are well insulated and tightly sealed.

What part of country are you in?
What is your total cost for a KW of electricity?
fsq4cw
16 years ago
Since you're building a new home it may be possible to drill the vertical borehole(s) within the foundation envelope, if space is at a premium. This would be done where the mechanical room will be located before the slab is poured. Therefore, there is no need for horizontal trenching from the borehole(s) as when they're outside the building. One 'triple function' geothermal heat pump would provide full capacity hot water for your radiant in-floor, forced air heating and cooling, plus preheating of your domestic hot water.

This will cost more up front but will be the most efficient method of heating/cooling & DHW.Geothermal will also have the longest life cycle of any active heating/cooling system.

Your radiant in-floor MUST be designed for the water temperature of the geo system. To have an idea as to the efficiency, divide your electrical rate cost per kW by about 4 to determine the cost per kW of heating or cooling delivered into your living space.

SR