I am replacing a twenty year old steam boiler and steam radiators to a radiant floor system. I am so confused by the number of choices to heat the water for this system. I could use a traditional boiler, a tankless hot water heater, or even a wall hung combination boiler and tankless hot water system. What is the most efficient system that will offer the lowest heating costs? I can use either oil or propane. Natural gas is not available in my area. My house is a 1100 sqft cape. Thanks for the help!
2007-04-09 02:13:48 · 5 answers · asked by Bill F 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I installed my own radiant heating system. For the heating system I used a Munchkin Boiler, propane fired. I have been extremely pleased with its performance. It is very high-tech in its control system which produces very high efficiencies. I agree fuel oil has higher BTU content than propane, but gas generally requires less maintainance and is very clean.
The unit is very compact. When I purchased it on line it was delivered by UPS. With the addition of a domestic water
tank, you can also heat domestic water at those high efficiencies. Schematic drawings for installation of the system are included.
The boiler is ideal for radiant systems that operate on relatively low water temperatures. It is a modulated boiler and only fires based on the demand of the system and the outside temperature. No mixing valves required. The domestic hot water system is independent of the house heating system when it allows higher temperatures for maximum recovery time.
2007-04-09 05:45:53 · answer #1 · answered by stedyedy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fuel oil produces way more BTU's per gallon then propane, so I would use fuel oil if at all possible.
Fuel oil heaters are gravity feed systems to the heater. Then it is pressurized and sprayed into the fire box via a small pump. Very efficient. Very safe. Waay cheaper in the long term than propane or electric.
2007-04-09 02:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by Stan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both unit idea is the more advantageous positive of both situations that you positioned forth. The water instantly away heater gadget isn't heated till there is flow via the gadget, so there'll favor to be a pump suitable to provide the stress mandatory to flow the liquid in the course of the piping. you need to also installation the thermostat and relay gadget so that you're literally not in simple terms operating warm water via the pipes once you do not choose the nice and cozy temperature. It must be staggering to have an countless source of earnings, reason it truly is what it is going to value you.
2016-11-27 21:18:49 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A combination gas/ wood burning boiler.
They're a little more expensive than conventional boilers, but you can burn wood & not gas 90% of the time.
I have one & live in upstate New York. I spent $160.00 in gas for the entire winter.
2007-04-09 05:51:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is a "hot water on demand system." It costs about the same as a water heater, but you never run out.
www.hotwaterheater.com
2007-04-09 03:37:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋