Thank you Beaglesdoitbetter! Just looked further into the hole pattern and it looks like there are two options, one is the Aria with 20 jets and the other is the Aria Elite with 30 jets. The Aria hole pattern is evenly spaced throughout while the Aria Elite has more of a sculpted pattern with no holes where you'd normally be seated. Do you have the regular Aria? If so, that would aleviate my concerns about comfort. I love the idea of the radiant heat vs. the inline so thank you for that idea. With an inline, it looks like the water runs through the unit which requires an intake and output and detracts from the smooth lines of the tub. Can I ask what drain you opted for? We were advised against the toe tap, so the only other options are the lift and turn or the cable driven system. Depending on what the price quote comes in at, our preference is for the MTI. The interior of the Hydro Systems Lacey seemed so much more narrow than the MTI even though they have the same exterior dimensions.

Yes. Install them as close to the main trunkline as possible. You will have to remove the flex extensions from the main duct and verify that there are rigid collars that will support a damper. There are single or double bearing dampers and either will work. It will reduce turbulence in the system, improve your airflow to the lacking rooms and greatly reduce noise at your diffusers.

Hello again Jvk. Since you are doing a retrofit I'll tell you that the problems we had using our old ductwork were not too serious, it's just that we're not "optimum". Evidently it was practice to install ducting differently many years ago; our outputs are all located towards the center of the house, away from the exterior walls, and our cold air returns are along the perimeter. Today, of course, the cold air returns are towards the center and the outlets around the perimeter. The result is "cold spots" around the edges of rooms, but they aren't severe and we don't mind 'em. Another potential problem (which we haven't experienced yet) is that, if pushed hard, the air conditioning could freeze up, since our vents are a little more restrictive than they should be. So far we've not found it necessary to use the AC more than a couple of hours at a time, and it's been fine. I have to tell you that I have one reservation about the product, but it may be unfounded. The soldering on the inside of the unit where some of the copper runs looks terrible, and even the installer commented on it. It appears to have beeen gotten too hot, and there are drips and sags. Of course it passed all the tests, but I'm concerned that it might develop leaks under pressure down the road. I know that at the first sign of failing refrigerant pressures I'll be ready to send the manufacturer a letter! I have already noted it in a letter to the installer. The unit arrived crated and the installer had not inspected it before he brought to the house; the existing heating system was gone, it was November, and it was time to get the job done. If I had it to do over again I would insist on the installer doing a good visual inspection before accepting the product from the company. That may be naive; I don't know. But it is true that Climatemaster has a new factory running and that they are pushing to keep up with demand. It makes everything harder from the purchasers point of view, in that the installer has lots of customers and doesn't have to be too accomodating! Too, the unit we ordered in June wasn't shipped right away -we had to wait for it to be built. The factory test is dated August 31, 2006. It took a while longer to make it to Montana from Oklahoma. Just our experiences and observations for what it's worth. Best, Mark

Wallynut, So would I be correct in saying that I need to find out how many kilowatts are needed to keep this house at X temperature using Hydro-air and compare that to kilowatts used, using the electric baseboard. I probably can find the existing usage from my local power company, but where could I find how much power these Hydro-air units use? Would the installer be able to provide me with estimates? I am in NY so I'm guessing were in the same "boat". Any help would greatly be appreciated. Jim