Hot water source for radiant heating system? Use exising steam boiler?

Using a water heater to make heat is a big no-no in NYC. Even radiant heat. It’s just not code compliant and if a system like that fails, you could get yourself in a lot of trouble. We install radiant floor heating zones and high-temp radiator or baseboard heat zones off active steam boilers all year long. There are basically two ways to do it right, and a thousand ways to do it wrong. Installed in a compliant, intelligent way, it works great and worry-free for years.

Master Plvmber

in Heating 12 years and 1 month ago

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nancy sullivqn | 12 years and 1 month ago

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I’ve installed a radiant heating system in a new cement slab, 800 Sq. Ft. in basement. There is an existing steam boiler which heats the 3 family building in Flatbush. The basement space will be well insulated. Is it recommended to install a separate water heater for the radiant heat system or hook it into the existing steam boiler? What kind of price range for this kind of job? Any recommendations for people to do the work if I hook into the existing steam boiler? Thanks.

arch007 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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The boiler can be used but needs to be modified with controls. http://nyc-dob

greenmountain | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Thanks Arch007\. I understand you are the James Bond of Architects. What you say makes sense, but if you have it handy, could you please mention the exact part of nyc.gov/dob, or the NYC code? I install tile floors, mostly on upper floors where running new risers from a modified boiler in the basement may not be practical. The OP is already heating a basement floor with a boiler nearby. I recommend radiant hot water heat to my clients with hot water heating systems and huge, inconveniently located radiators (in small bathrooms), and sometimes electric radiant heat if they have steam systems. Licensed plumbers and reputable plumbing suppliers never mentioned “controls” on a boiler to me, otherwise used for steam heat. I gather the controls keep the H2O in liquid form, below the temperature and pressure of steam. The advice I got: Only a separate hot water heating system is legal, not the same water as for drinking and washing. Any plumbers want to chime in? Any home owners with experiences with radiant heat on upper floors? What about basement floors? Do you lose a lot of the heat from the slab in to the cold ground? Would you rather have heated the air?

nancy sullivqn | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Any one have experience with small companies/individuals who have done this hook up with a steam boiler and are reasonably priced? thanks

ellenlourie | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Sure you can use steam boiler for radiant heat. All you need is to keep boiler water above 140F to prevent condensation when boiler is off steam heating cycle, heat exchanger from boiler water to radiant water, expansion tank, feeder, air eliminator, circulator and mixing valve to mix down radiant system water temperature. Any qualified radiant heat professional will do it.