May 14, 2008

Solar hot water and radiant floor heating

Following a recent post on solar water and electric, it seems a lot of people are interested in pursuing solar energy options and are having a hard time finding reliable information and real-life experience. Anyway, that's been my impression as I've been doing research on installing a solar hot water system coupled with radiant floor heating throughout a 3 story brownstone.

Here's what I found: even though solar hot water would SEEM to be the ideal match for a radiant floor heating system, the engineers my architects have retained are adamantly opposed to pursuing this. The rationale is that, ironically, in summer you end up producing way too much hot water, and if you don't have a way of dumping it into a pool or hot tub, for instance, you just have to dump thousands of gallons of hot water down the drain. Instead, we have scaled back the hot water system to produce enough water for domestic use only, and will install a high efficiency condensing boiler (whatever the hell that is) to heat water for the radiant floor system.

As for a PV installation, I have been advised on many fronts that now is not the time for that (despite the on-again off-again federal and state incentives). In the near future, rapid technical progress on PV panels may alter that calculation. So we are preparing for an eventual PV installation by reinforcing the roof and putting in an electrical junction box (or something like that).

Anyway, that has been my experience to date in the world of solar solutions. I am curious if anyone else has attempted or actually installed a solar hot water and radiant floor system.

May 13, 2008

Solar Water and Electric

I'm probably going to install a 5 KW solar system and a hot water (3 panels - 80 Gallon) system on my brownstone in Boerum Hill. Is there anyone who has either or both systems who I could speak to about their experience with solar?

May 10, 2008

Replacing Below Ground Wet Return Sections

I have sections of the wet return from my boiler that are below grade and have corroded. I am having them replaced and I have a few questions.

1) I have excavated the area in preparation for the plumber and plan on repairing the floor once the plumber is done. The existing pipe was buried in dirt and covered in a few inches of concrete. Now that I have a chance to do the job right, I am wondering what the best way of covering the new pipe will be. Should it be wrapped in some way before covering it to avoid corrosion? Should I cover it with dirt or gravel or a combination of both prior to laying the concrete over it? Any tips on doing this job right would be appreciated.

2) There is currently no way to flush the returns. Should I ask the plumber to install some sort of flush valve before it goes underground? Again, I just want to make sure that the job is done right so I don't have to revisit it.

Thanks for your help...

April 26, 2008

Suggestions on Gas Boiler contracters

Hello,

We are purchasing a 4 level brownstone and will be replacing our oil boiler. Anyone know of good contractors. Please provide name and contact phone if possible. Thanks

April 23, 2008

Varivalve for single pipe steam

Has anyone used this brand of vent on their single pipe steam radiators? I'm replacing some vents and was thinking that these look like the way to go -but I've never tried em.

And for you cynics - I'm not advertising them. I'm simply soliciting advice.

http://www.heat-timer.com/?page=varivalve

April 19, 2008

end of season boiler question

Now that we've spent our first winter as homeowners with a new boiler, what sort of maintenance do we need to do when we turn off the heat? do we need to drain the boiler and the radiators? thanks, and happy spring!

April 15, 2008

Heating with wood pellets

Dear community members,
I have read the annotation for the article "The Technologies of Biomass and Coal Co-Combustion in Pulverized-Coal Furnaces" located wood products and the idea of installing both wood pellet heating and coal heating systems in a house.

Do yo know any examples when such an experience was successful?

April 14, 2008

cost to install hot water heating system

We're looking at a brownstone with forced air heat. Does anyone have a general idea what it would cost to replace it with hot water radiator heat? 4 floors, 2 units.

April 13, 2008

Boiler Glass Water Gauge Slow to React.

When I either add or remove water to my Burnham boiler, the glass water level gauge is very slow to show the actual change in the water level of the boiler. I have to come back a half hour later to see what the results are. I assume that the connection from the gauge to the boiler tank is clogged. If this is the case, are there any thoughts on how to unclog it or should I call in the experts to have a look.

Thanks for your help...

April 10, 2008

Oil vs Gas

I have a 100 year old oil boiler and am thinking of switching to gas but hearing conflicting views. Gas is cleaner and cheaper, but oil is more efficient. The cost is about $6000 to convert.

Any recommendations?

Forum: Heating