Found: company that installs hydronic electric radiant plus cooling

I posted here a while back about my interest in a heat pump + radiator system, which is common in Europe but uncommon here. I was told by various contractors and plumbers that they don’t exist, that they are not efficient, that they don’t work in cold climates, that they won’t work in a whole house–all of which puzzled me since they are routinely installed in big old houses in cold regions like Scandinavia and the UK.

Anyway… I finally found a new company right here in Brooklyn run by a guy who is very knowledgeable and very passionate about these European-style “air to water” systems. It’s called BK Climate Solutions, and I just put down a deposit.

It uses a heat pump like for mini-splits but connects to water-filled pipes for radiators or radiant floors. It also heats your water and pumps out cold air for cooling in summer, except instead of those fat units on the wall, the air comes from very slim slits on the wall or grates on the floor. (Obviously easier as part of a major reno when walls are open.)

Yes, it’s way more expensive than a mini-split system, but there are big rebates available through Con Ed and through NYSERDA’s EmPower + program (if you qualify as moderate income, which for Kings County is defined as less than $101,800). And it apparently costs less to run than a mini-split because it’s even more efficient.

Article about the owner’s own renovation and heat system is here: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/153824-project-files-episode-65-zero-emission-hydronic-heat-at-brooklyn-brownstone

I can’t say yet what it’s like to live with, but thought I’d pass this along in case anyone is interested.