I read recently a discussion about Runtall heaters and water temps.
What water temp is required for standard base board?
I live in a house with a converted two pipe steam system big cast iron radiators. It is now hot water. What temp is required for this system?
I love the big radiators and hate baseboard.
Is it feasible to do a hot water cast iron radiator system in a new house? Not castiron base board. My next choice would be hydronic forced air so I could a/c the house at the same time. Is this the most economical route?
I am in eastern NY.
Thanks for your help,
Eric
Replies
Firebird, I installed a water coil heat exchanger in my forced air (heat pump) system a few years ago and love it. The heat is fast and hot (105-110 deg) which is much more comfortable than the 85 deg HP air.
I use my domestic hot water heater (gas/75 gal/75,000Btu) to heat the downstairs. I kept the 50 gal electric water heater in line, but turned off. The gas hot water is always moved forward, so the 50 gal is surge capacity.
If building a house today, I would use a combination radiant floor/forced air system. probably water heater fired. We have to have A/C, we like to filter and mix the air, but the comfort of rad heat is super. Also, the forced air is fast heat, and the rad is slower, but "smoother". Remember that fertilizer commercial a long time ago..."for the quick kick and the long pull". That is the way I look at the forced air/radiant heat combo. Paul