Logan2015
New Member
Looking for a little guidance in choosing general set-up for radiant heat/DHW on a new build single family home in Ohio.
I have read a number of posts comparing different set-ups, but can't quite find an answer to my unique (apparently) situation:
The home is approximately 5,000 sq ft with full basement (currently unfinished except for small home office) and 2 stories. The main floor, second floor, and over-garage bonus rooms are heated and cooled by three separate conventional gas furnace/AC units (based on heat loss calcs and installed by experienced HVAC professional).
I have installed radiant floor heat in the basement and garage and plan to heat both in addition using some combination of boiler+indirect, combi, tankless, etc. for heat and DHW.
I am having trouble deciding on the most efficient and economical way to provide the heat as well as ensure my DHW needs are met. I have a couple questions:
1. The radiant used to heat basement and garage is more of a comfort/luxury with the thought that it may help lower heating costs of the main house and above-garage space. My primary concern for the system is DHW with 2 near-teenagers and another close behind as well as a wife who is installing a new soaking tub as I type. I have seen several members indicate a Combi boiler is not likely the best choice when radiant heat requirements are low and DHW requirements are relatively high. Is this a general consensus?
I have spoken with a few others who have used a combi boiler for similar size home which appears to work well for them, but not sure how efficient it's working. Obviously, after reading a lot about short-cycling and shortening the life of equipment, I want to make sure I'm sizing appropriately, as well as maximizing efficiency. Seems like my needs for radiant are relatively low and something with a lower BTU and good TDR along with a decent size indirect tank may be the best bet, but want to be sure I'm not missing something.
2. I have not performed any heat loss calcs as I am unsure how to account for the specific areas (basement and garage) in the face of the rest of the house already heated. Are there general assumptions I can use for a partially insulated basement and fully insulated garage that I could use to appropriately size a boiler for my radiant needs? A quick snapshot of the areas:
Basement: 65 x 38 with R-5 exterior board below grade and R-10 rigid under slab
Garage: 30 x 38 with 11 ft ceilings, R-13 blown in cellulose in walls, R-18 garage doors, and R-10 rigid underneath
I do have access to free gas on the property, which also plays into the equation, but want to be sure I'm choosing the best set-up.
Any input on the situation or others that have had success in similar situations is welcomed. Thanks.
I have read a number of posts comparing different set-ups, but can't quite find an answer to my unique (apparently) situation:
The home is approximately 5,000 sq ft with full basement (currently unfinished except for small home office) and 2 stories. The main floor, second floor, and over-garage bonus rooms are heated and cooled by three separate conventional gas furnace/AC units (based on heat loss calcs and installed by experienced HVAC professional).
I have installed radiant floor heat in the basement and garage and plan to heat both in addition using some combination of boiler+indirect, combi, tankless, etc. for heat and DHW.
I am having trouble deciding on the most efficient and economical way to provide the heat as well as ensure my DHW needs are met. I have a couple questions:
1. The radiant used to heat basement and garage is more of a comfort/luxury with the thought that it may help lower heating costs of the main house and above-garage space. My primary concern for the system is DHW with 2 near-teenagers and another close behind as well as a wife who is installing a new soaking tub as I type. I have seen several members indicate a Combi boiler is not likely the best choice when radiant heat requirements are low and DHW requirements are relatively high. Is this a general consensus?
I have spoken with a few others who have used a combi boiler for similar size home which appears to work well for them, but not sure how efficient it's working. Obviously, after reading a lot about short-cycling and shortening the life of equipment, I want to make sure I'm sizing appropriately, as well as maximizing efficiency. Seems like my needs for radiant are relatively low and something with a lower BTU and good TDR along with a decent size indirect tank may be the best bet, but want to be sure I'm not missing something.
2. I have not performed any heat loss calcs as I am unsure how to account for the specific areas (basement and garage) in the face of the rest of the house already heated. Are there general assumptions I can use for a partially insulated basement and fully insulated garage that I could use to appropriately size a boiler for my radiant needs? A quick snapshot of the areas:
Basement: 65 x 38 with R-5 exterior board below grade and R-10 rigid under slab
Garage: 30 x 38 with 11 ft ceilings, R-13 blown in cellulose in walls, R-18 garage doors, and R-10 rigid underneath
I do have access to free gas on the property, which also plays into the equation, but want to be sure I'm choosing the best set-up.
Any input on the situation or others that have had success in similar situations is welcomed. Thanks.