Heating Recs for Gut Reno
Definitely going hot water, but is there a way to get benefits of hot water without space consuming and unsightly aspects of a radiator. Probably don’t want radiant because while sounds great, don’t want any future issues with wood floor expansion, leaking, etc. Thanks.
Definitely going hot water, but is there a way to get benefits of hot water without space consuming and unsightly aspects of a radiator.
Probably don’t want radiant because while sounds great, don’t want any future issues with wood floor expansion, leaking, etc.
Thanks.
Radiant floor heating is by far the best and as long as you use a reputable installer they will last forever and not leak. I have used the toe kick units that 11:24 was talking about and they are fantastic but really only good for where you will have base cabinets…kitchen and bath. They do through a lot of heat when the fan kicks in. They are usually installed in conjunction with baseboard heating (also very efficient as long as you don’t mind the look of the baseboards) where the lines run from the baseboard units into the toe kick units. They need electricity as the flow of the water kicks on the blower when the furnace is pumping water through.
Another alternative that I’ve used are Hydronic Alternatives’ Radiant Panels that look just like 6″ woo baseboard. They are not as efficient though as regular baseboard that is mounted outside your baseboards but you have no idea that they are there…
http://www.hydronicalternatives.com
These can be plumbed into the system with copper pipe or PEX
Do they make hot water systems with radiators that look like classic steam radiators? I’m looking at buying brownstones where I may change the heat, but I like the look of big old cast iron radiators. If you use them do you lose the efficiency advantage of hot water?
You could use radiant panel radiators.
For some ideas, go to http://www.gatewayplumbing.com/boilers.html and click on runtalnorthamerica.com
Our plumber installed these hot water radiators under the kitchen cabinets that have blowers that activate when the heat circulates. The warm air comes out under the toe kick in the front of the sink cabinet (not visible) There is a false bottom on the cabinet that can be opened for service. It does not take away any storage space or interfere with the sink plumbing. The blower is very quiet. Europeans are so much more advanced when it comes to radiant heat radiator styling… beautiful warming towel racks and such but you pay a premium.