Question about heating options - cross post

17 years ago

Hi,

I have a question that I posted over on the heating forum but thought I would post here as well since so many that come to this board are very knowledgable. Here is the link to that thread. I don't think that forum has the activity we see over here. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hvac/msg0610571720344.html?3

We are doing a kitchen/MBr addition which involves creating an opening into our existing LR. This along with converting one or both LR windows into french doors onto a deck. We currently have baseboard heat (forced hot water)that runs around the perimeter of the room. With the new opening and new doors we will lose a large amount of the baseboard heat. Our heating contractor suggested either a high output baseboard heat (they would be larger than what we currently have) on the remaining available walls or a second option of what is called a fan convector. He said it has the name of 'The Quiet One". I think that is an old name of this product. Link is below. This second option by him was after I asked if there was any other option than baseboard heat. I would love to have the LR be without the baseboard heaters. I am okay with them in bedrooms but I would love to not have them in this living space - basically it is our family room.

My questions about this 'fan convector' is how noisy is it? Anyone have one? I have not been able to find noise rating, sone level on this product. Am waiting on a call back from rep.

Also are there other options that have more of a traditional look? Maybe something in wood rather that this one that appears to be a combination of plastic and metal. It's not that large - about 20 inches high by 30 inches in length.

It seems I remember seeing someone post a photo recently (maybe in the past few months) with something like this.

If you have something like this are you happy with it or not? How noisy is it? And how do you decoratate around it. It would need to go on open wall space and not under a window.

Also, should I consider a regular radiator? Would that add much more expense?

Thanks for any advice or input you could provide.

Here is a link that might be useful: Smith's Environmental Products Fan Convector PSU30

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Comments (5)

sue36
17 years ago
I am not an HVAC sub, but it seems you have two options he hasn't mentioned. You can do hydroair, which converts to hot water to hot air. You would need ducts (unless you already have them for AC) and an air handler. If you don't have AC this would be one way to add it (in which case you need the condenser as well, which goes outside). Our entire house is hydro air.

You could also add radiant in just that room if you have access to the space under the floor (such as via the basement) or will be ripping the floor up. A radiant zone can often be added off the current boiler.

It is possible your HVAC guy hasn't mentioned these options because he doesn't do them. In my area it seems like there are a lot of guys who do baseboard but not hydro-air or radiant. The latter two are more sophisticated.
jrabbot
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks sue36. Hydroair was actually the first thing he recommended. The problem is that the new AC ducts are on our vaulted celing - and that's not the best place for heat vents! We have one air handler in the attic for both first and second floor. He did say hydroair is the way to go - unfortunately we did not have the same guy do heating and AC. An issue that comes back to our GC and one that we aren't happy about but it's done so can't change that.

Radiant heat in the LR is not an option - we aren't going to be taking the nice wood floor up and the room in the basement below has a finished ceiling.

Any other options ? Are radiators a possibility? Where should I look for answers? Any help is much appreciated!

I linked my question on the other forum.
Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: link to my question on Heating and AC forum
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sue36
17 years ago
I would take the basement ceiling down and do radiant. A ceiling is easy to fix. I have a rabid dislike of baseboards, radiators, etc. Heat from the ceiling isn't optimal, but it may be adequate since it will only be supplemental.
sailormann
17 years ago
The money that you save by installing radiant heat will more than pay for the cost of replacing a basement ceiling - even if it's a nice elaborate coffered one.
jrabbot
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks sue36 and sailormann for your replies. I will look into radiant heat and the cost for this. It sounds much more expensive though. The ceiling in the basement is not anything special - just a 50 year old swirled plaster. Not that desirable and there are already 4 holes cut into it from latest construction - removing baseboard heat etc.

Sue36, why do you say this would be supplemental heat? We would be removing all of baseboard heat.