Anyone Convert from Hot Air Heating to Hot Water or Steam Heat?
lovetogarden
12 years ago
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liriodendron
12 years agolovetogarden
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Hot Water Heat From 5 ton Water Furnace
Comments (3)First & foremost - SPEAK TO YOUR INSTALLER!! I personally would install a desuperheater. However, for technical reasons, I would install a buffer tank between the electric DHW tank and the desuperheater. A 5 ton unit will provide plenty of hot water at reduced cost during heating season and essentially free hot water when you're air-conditioning. SR...See MoreHot Water Heat, convert baseboards to radiators?
Comments (2)Converting baseboard to radiators should not be difficult especially if the house orginally had radiators. Old cast iron radiators can be put back in service even if they have been sitting idle for a long time. I agree radiant hot water heating is the most comfortable. However variable speed furnaces have come a long way in increasing comfort. Since you are already going through the expense of adding duct work for the AC, and you dislike the ugly baseboard, then consider integrating a furnace. You can get an electronic air cleaner if you have allergy problems. There are thermostats which will turn on the furnace blower to circulate and filter the air at very low speeds....See MoreNew Heating System (hydronic vs. hot air)
Comments (4)I don't know how deep your pockets are or how 'Green' you'd like to be but there is another option you may not have considered about yet. You can keep you hydronic system and with some modification to it have it coupled to a geothermal heat pump. The modifications would allow you to use the geothermal heat pump to heat your home, preheat your domestic hot water and to have central air-conditioning without ever having to install ducts or removing your existing rads. Since we're considering a small area, the cost of geothermal will not be as high as it would be for a much larger system. That coupled with possible tax breaks could make it a viable project. Operational costs could be as much as 70% less or greater than fossil fuels or even electricity. Those that I know who have done this are very satisfied, especially with the central A/C. It's virtually maintenance free with no ducts and no chimney or chimney liners. But the pain is up front as this is the most expensive option. Look at the cost differential between geothermal hydronic and conventional technologies and the tax incentives. SR...See MoreIs hot water needed for dishwasher, or does it heat cold water?
Comments (31)you’re either referring to the law (in Washington State, anyway) regarding rental properties, or you live in some place that has uber nanny legislators. And seriously? YOU don’t think YOU are smart enough to know what temperature YOU want YOUR hot water in your home? Any who, I don’t want the dishwasher to turn the electrical heating element on. Electricity (unless your using magnetic induction) is an inefficient way to heat water. It is better for my house to use hot water from my tankless HWH. I have a tankless HWH that will produce 190° hot water if I set it correctly. I have a dedicated line from the manifold that natal led between the heater and the Case Acme temperature regulator. I send 160° water to my dishwasher, and washing machine. (I also have a dedicated line that supplies 160° to a separate faucet on my sink that takes the place of the under sink contraption that crapped out a while back. (120° is the legal limit? Don’t tell InSinkerator. I doubt those gadgets they make can even go down to 120°.) I would use 180° water but I am afraid the water temperature alone might melt some plastic ware and also damage some synthetic fabrics. Here’s a thought, when it comes to how YOU choose to live in YOUR house, man up, and grow a pair....See Morechibimimi
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