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February 23, 2009
Heating, A/C Options
What are the options out there for heating/cooling for a 4 story brownstone, besides the oldschool oil tank and boiler? Gas furnace, forced air? I've heard of all these different systems, but would like suggestions for the cleanest and most economical. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
Comments
I don't think forced air (which I have) is a good heating system - it feels cold quickly unless the thermostat is cranked way up. It also wouldn't make sense to consider the trouble of adding ductwork, unless you want central AC.
Energy prices fluctuate and the argument goes back and forth over which is cheaper oil vs. natural gas. Qualified plumbers will probably chime in, but I believe you can get the most efficiency out of a gas fired forced hot water (hw radiators or basboard, not steam) system.
If all options are open (if you're looking at this as part of a gut reno...) I would definitely look into radiant floor heating in at least part of the house. You get economy and efficiency from heating where it makes you comfortable; as opposed to most systems which end up with raising the temperature near the ceiling higher, while it's colder near your feet.
Posted by: Bklnite at February 23, 2009 11:27 AM
from "feeling" point of view: hot water heating feels the best.
Posted by: bobjohn at February 23, 2009 12:22 PM
I vote hydronic radiant heat with ceiling fans to cool in summer+window AC in the bedroom.
Forced air is lame, and central air in NYC is not necessary IMHO.
Posted by: vanburenproud at February 23, 2009 1:31 PM
Gas condensing boilers are most efficient tho' expensive to install. Hydronic heat (with wall-hung Runtal radiators) is cheaper than radiant which would require ripping up floors. Good point about fans, I love 'em.
Posted by: cmu at February 23, 2009 1:37 PM
I get sick of heating bills in the winter. This last thing a want is to add central A/C so that I can spend an extra $400 bucks a month for electricity in the summer.
Posted by: Boerum Hill at February 23, 2009 2:52 PM
Gas-fired condensing boilers with radiant if you are doing a gut, else hydronic. Forced air is the worst system you can have, also throws dust everywhere.
If you were doing a gut I'd add central AC but hard to add all the ducting and stuff otherwise.
Posted by: denton at February 23, 2009 3:38 PM
gas high efficiency boiler with heating zones broken out by multiple pumps is the way to go for heat...for cooling you might consider a high velocity system the trunk lines are way smaller than traditional duct work...
Posted by: eman1234 at February 23, 2009 6:03 PM
To jump on eman's reco, he is basically correct.
To seek the highest efficiency, and a green solution, Unico makes a heat pump based high velocity system. It will throw heat down to an outside temp of 45? Its ability decreases with outside temp, but during the shoulder seasons you can heat inexpensively.
It adds only somewhat to the air handler and compressor, which is only part once you are installing the "spagetti".
Posted by: brucef at February 23, 2009 11:44 PM
My heating/ac contractor is excellent & would be able to give you good input:
NorthEastern Air - 718 499 5566
Posted by: Arkady at February 24, 2009 8:51 AM
The most efficient is hydronics using radiant heating eith high velocity mini-ducts.Radiant heating use very little btu input to gain comfort without high energy bills.The unico mini-duct system can be installed with a back-up hydronic coil inserted in the air -handler for extra heating ,when needed for extreme emergencies.Cooling can be done by the same unit with a higher humidity removal and great air-conditioning comfort.These two systems give a better comfort level and saves vital living space.I am an experienced hvac contractor with a lot of experience in this field.Feel free to contact me at 1516 318 1172.My name is chester
Posted by: birchwoodc at February 24, 2009 7:40 PM
Also Misty B,I would not recommend a heat-pump.These units use precious electric power,and cannot heat below 35 degrees,before going all electric heat.Hydronics combined with solar thermal energy will make your project greener than most standards
Posted by: birchwoodc at February 24, 2009 7:49 PM
radiant is ideal, but often brownstones do not lend themselves to it unless you are doing a total gut and can shift floor levels, or install reflectors beneath the subfloor... but get someone to do a professional layout for the radiant if you go that rout...it should be designed taking the specific space into account (denser around windows etc) and just a staple up between joists...a lot of guys have jumped into the field w/out a clue as to what they are doing... btw, chester seems to know his stuff, even though i have no personal knowledge of his work aside from his quick disclaimer that he did not layout or install the staple up job done by ecobrooklyn on 2nd st
Posted by: eman1234 at February 24, 2009 9:09 PM
that should have read "and not just a quick staple up between joists"
Posted by: eman1234 at February 24, 2009 9:11 PM
Thanks for that affirmation from eman1234.Currently myself and Genarro(ecobrooklyn),will correct anything that is not done right on the radiant heat job,and the building will have ,when done,a well designed heating and cooling system that will showcase optimum"green design" at it's best,with methods and practises not often done in the united states.
Posted by: birchwoodc at February 25, 2009 9:36 PM
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