Re: [GBlist] Heating backup and radiant floor heating

[Jim Coate <jbc@coate.org>]

I haven't seen the article (yet), but I too find the conclusion that RFH
isn't appropriate for well-insulated homes a little odd. To me, the
marriage of RFH & well-insulated homes makes great sense. With a
low-temperature, low-volume system it then becomes possible to look at
using solar or other alternate heat sources. On a strictly out-of-pocket
expense basis, he might be right but I think there is more to the
equation.

And I've been talking to Radiant Floor Company, another DYI place just
like Radiantec... apparently an offshoot and only 20 miles down the
road. All the DYI places will save a bundle over a contractor if you
don't mind playing with tubing yourself, which gets back to the whole
financial equation thing.

Sacie H Lambertson wrote:
> As usual, in the most recent edition of EBN (Environmental Building News)
> there is an excellent lead article is about radiant floor heating (RFH);
> the jist of the article is a discussion on the pros and cons of this type
> of heating system and where its use is uneconomical or does not make sense.
>  In general, Alex Wilson suggests that tight, well insulated (super
> insulated) residences should not need this type of system for a variety of
> reasons, the high cost being a major factor.
> 
> However he did not mention the DIY system sold by Radiantec in Vermont; we
> bought from them and saved ourselves a LOT of money by installing the tubes
> and manifolds ourselves.  And while Alex's argument is persuasive, I'm in
> the camp that this type of heat is the best one could have.  (We're using
> it for back-up as well, since we have a forest of trees on our property to
> use in a good stove).



_________
Jim Coate
1992 Chevy S-10
1970s Elec-Trak E20
http://www.eeevee.com

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