Reco NEEDED: Retrofitting entire heating system

Even if you start from scratch it is a good idea to eliminate drafts and weak spots. It could be gaps on window frames, and probably the bricks have not been repointed since 100 years.

Augustiner

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 2 months ago

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radicalnewtherapy | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Yep, we did it. We bought a house without a boiler. The mini-split systems we used last winter were simply inadequate, sadly. Now we have to install boilers, risers and radiators. Sadly. Looking for recommendations for a reputable, reasonably priced plumbing company to do the installation. It’s a big job (2 units) so need someone legit and experienced. Can anyone recommend a company based on direct experience? Looking to do the work over the next 3 months.

Master Plvmber | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Everyone wants to believe those mini-splits work much better than they actually do. I lived with them for three years in a great apartment in Manhattan and they were a godsend for cooling, but terrible for heating.

steam_man | 10 years and 2 months ago

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If a mini-split can’t heat the reason is the same as why a hydronic system would also have issues. You are less likely to “feel” it with a hydronic system because most installers oversize the systems. Here are your two basic issues and if this house was reno’d and flipped then I’m fairly certain the developer didn’t do the work necessary to make the mini-split system viable. 1\. Drafts and inadequate insulation throughout. This issue will cause ANY heating system to work overtime and cost you more money than you should have to pay. 2\. Incorrect equipment. The higher end equipment (Mitsubishi H2i) will satisfy 100% of your load at 5 degrees ambient outdoor temp. The previous owner went cheap and hoped for the best. 3\. Incorrectly sized equipment. The rooms may have undersized equipment and common areas are not served (ie halls and bathrooms). The outdoor unit would typically be undersized if this is the case.

eman134 | 10 years and 2 months ago

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If you go for a new boiler and radiation, be aware that you may well need new gas service to meet the needs of the additional boiler load. This will add to your timeframe. Do you at least have a house meter powering a gas hot water heater at this point?

eman134 | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Steamman…you know that this has to be bottom of the line equipment put in on the cheap. The owner is going to have to start from scratch no matter what. probably an undersized Ramsond bought from home depot.