Starting from scratch - Best Heating System?

We are about to embark on a gut reno of a 4 story brownstone that is in estate sale condition. All the mechanics need to be replaced and we are deciding on a heating system – the floors are unsalvageable and there is joist repair work that needs to be done, so we are really open to any option.

We will be installing a new gas boiler and are considering either a hot water radiator system or radiant flooring (also hot water). All the radiators have been removed at one point when a forced air heating system was installed. We are removing those ducts and are open to re-installing radiators (either modern ones or perhaps trying this brand if anyone has used them before: https://www.castrads.com/us/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/)

Of course we want something energy efficient, and want to be able to support zoned heating, separate controls for the rental apartment, etc. But also, between radiators and heated floors, does anyone know which is better to avoid the worst of dry winter air? I have a child with asthma and sensitive skin (I recognize that winter is just harsh, but trying to mitigate).

Separately, we will be installing mini-splits for A/C. And if we do go the radiator route, we will still likely install heated floors in the bathroom.

Thank you!

Sherita

in General Discussion 4 years and 7 months ago

38

Please log in, in order to post replies!

38 replies

Newest Oldest

Guest User | 4 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "202383"

thank you!

anotherposter | 4 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5159 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5162 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I thought the lighting consultant was money well spent for us. I didn’t have to spend a ton of time looking for specific lights (even just recessed ones have so many options)-he figured out what I wanted and gave us suggestions and made sure all the right parts were ordered for some of the more complicated things.
Clifford Starr
Lighting Designer/Consultant
NY · NJ · CT · PA
E-mail: cliffordstarr@gmail.com

Guest User | 4 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "202383"

anotherposter, you wrote that you worked with a lighting consultant. Were you happy with him or her? If so, could you share the name?

hkapstein | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4873 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4871 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "197623"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "hkapstein"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bi/rarQU.AidQ5DWnWIzXSi7UikLcx/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(31) "boerumamaemailnotprovided-local"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "hkapstein@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2018-06-15 18:43:24"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Helen Kapstein"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(197623)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Forced air moving over a heating element tends to dry the space out faster than a radiator would. And, when it is cold, you can only humidify a house so much before water will condense on the walls an windows, and apparently I’m now hearing ductwork, which is considered a mold hazard. Whole house humidifiers are a common solution, although usually where forced air furnace heating is more popular.

The other issue which creates low humidity is drafts. When cool air enters the home and is heated, it will lower the vapor pressure of water in the air. So reducing the air infiltration will have a significant effect on the relative humidity. In my home which is currently using hydronic heat, I’ve found that our normal activities of cooking and showering seem to keep the home comfortable most of the year on all but the coldest days, and even then its not too bad. When that happens, I’ll might make a cup of tea on the stove or put humidifiers in the bedrooms overnight, but I haven’t done that yet this year. Maybe when it hits single digit temps.

anotherposter | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5149 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5161 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

This prompted me to read more about it and apparently mold is more commonly caused in the summer when the air is humid and the cold air of the a/c condenses it. Our Unico system has a ton of filters (adding access points to change this was the main reason for a lot of new holes.

anotherposter | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5171 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m pretty sensitive to mold and in 10 years with our old crummy system didn’t have a problem. For me the low humidity in winter is a significantly bigger problem so far.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5164 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "779"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(40) "64df18426207ddf12f1789eba7eabd04a9c3f615"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 18:03:45"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "Bob Marvin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(779)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

My c. 1965 forced hot air system has a humidifier. I shut it off many years ago because of possible health concerns.

Master Plvmber | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5160 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5163 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Watch out for mold growth in your ductwork with that whole-house humidifier.

anotherposter | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5165 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5168 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A huge benefit of hot air in the winter is that you can integrate humidifiers! Even our old crappy system had that and staying in a home without it (with radiators for heat) while we do work is really making me miss it. Our Unico system will a supposedly much better humidifying set-up that I’m very excited about. I suffer from dry everything, especially eyes and sinuses in the winter with the heat going and having a whole-house humidifier plumbed in is something I don’t think I could easily skip in my own home now.

sticksandstones | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5159 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "35273"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "lisa.er2@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-07-28 20:54:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(35273)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Good to know that real wood is an option for radiant heat flooring…

restorationcontractor | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5168 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5160 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179166"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Baq67F8/sTzUHPotbkHSHTq3u2mFo5/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "Larconst@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(43) "http:///forums/users/restorationcontractor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:03:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(22) "Restoration Contractor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179166)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Your system was probably never properly balanced.

restorationcontractor | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5165 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5169 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179166"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Baq67F8/sTzUHPotbkHSHTq3u2mFo5/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "Larconst@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(43) "http:///forums/users/restorationcontractor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:03:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(22) "Restoration Contractor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179166)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Assuming your house was designed with separate zones for the stone/wood floors you can adjust the zone valves at the manifold.
Could be thermostat programming as well if you have thermostats with floor and air temperature sensors.
We don’t have those issues.

BklnRefugee | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5167 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "65167"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "BklnRefugee"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bxd2OCzwz3jXn99DnRQ6tpQgjP51W./"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "bklnrefugee"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "anonhfm@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:29:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "BklnRefugee"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(65167)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have radiant in our house, where some zones have stone floors and some have wood. It works everywhere, but it is noticeable how much longer it takes for the areas with wood floors to reach a higher temp if we turn up the thermostat. That’s really the only issue we’ve had.

restorationcontractor | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5168 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5166 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179166"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Baq67F8/sTzUHPotbkHSHTq3u2mFo5/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "Larconst@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(43) "http:///forums/users/restorationcontractor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:03:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(22) "Restoration Contractor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179166)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thats a myth, we have done all types of floor finishes over radiant on projects.

In my own 1926 Tudor Revival I have solid strip oak, oak parquet over plywood, parquet over concrete slab and areas with tile. All areas heat great, I would never install any other type of heating system for myself.

Some of these spots might not be the most efficient, but the gas bill is very low and aesthetics were very important to me as well.

There are absolutely no issues with wood movement either. I did use rift sawn solid red oak as opposed to plain cut, but the additional cost in the scheme of things was negligible.

sticksandstones | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5169 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4879 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "35273"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "lisa.er2@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-07-28 20:54:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "sticksandstones"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(35273)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Does radiant heat flooring require tile, concrete, or engineered wood as a floor? I can’t say that a house covered in tile would be too appealing unless its in Florida.

anotherposter | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5166 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4870 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I think it depends on how warm you like it. We really wanted zones since there is such a difference between floors in temperature. In your situation I might do a mix of heated floors (and towel racks!) with water and Unico. We’re doing a reno but not gut and are putting in electric floor heat where there is new floor that is tile. The unico system allows us to not have tons of soffits or lose woodwork or plaster detail. I hate recessed light but worked with a lighting consultant and was sold on adding it as extra/fill lighting in some spots because we don’ have enough good spots for wall sconces. There are some really cool/fancy options for linear lighting now.

hkapstein | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4879 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5168 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "197623"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "hkapstein"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bi/rarQU.AidQ5DWnWIzXSi7UikLcx/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(31) "boerumamaemailnotprovided-local"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "hkapstein@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2018-06-15 18:43:24"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Helen Kapstein"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(197623)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks Sherita! Good luck with your project, and I look forward to hearing more details here as your progress! Indeed I’d love to get that subfloor if your gonna demolish it, although it does sounds like that may be a while.

Sherita | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4870 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5169 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "48549"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "Sherita"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B7JBqOy5TpFoH3zndT7tguWnsQnIK3/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "sherita"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "lindsayw@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:37:03"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "Sherita"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(48549)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The house has lots of original detail and beautiful mouldings. I wouldn’t dream of exposed brick or recessed lighting ;-). We definitely have respect for the old bones and want to restore where we can, but of course want modern mechanics, good insulation, etc.. The radiators were ripped out long ago and an old forced air system was put in, but we are removing that. There are almost no original floors – only in the parlor back room can you see the original wood with the marquetry inlay, and it’s 80% broken and rotted. The rest of the house appears to have been replaced with parquet at some point which also is mostly broken and rotted. There definitely looks like there was a water leak at some point.
@Urbandad – we are in contract but waiting to close on the purchase so haven’t ripped up anything yet, but most of the floors in the house look like this. You can see the rotted pine beneath, but surely there is something salvageable and happy to share when we get to that point, but will be a few weeks/months before we even start. [Floors](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:Asgm:floors.jpg.jpg)

chemosphere | 4 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5168 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5166 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bym7xqSisQdtaWFx8p2q7DWXNAtg0D/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jg@jacobgarchik.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:09:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180501)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

is nobody doing central air for A/C in gut renovations any more?