Replies

1. 
   David_Thomas | Jan 05, 2002 11:46pm | #1

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   Either type of "boiler" should provide years of service. But your posting implies that electric has lower operating costs than propane. That is possible in some locations in the Pacific NW or New Zealand. But in most places propane would be 30-60% cheaper than electirc. Note that you aren't buying it 5 gallons at a time for the BBQ. Rather it is being delivered 200 or 400 gallons at a time and you can shop around between vendors (if you own your own tank) and/or buy it seasonally when you see prices go down.

   For either electric or propane, you'll need to do a heat-loss calculation on the house and spec the boiler to slightly exceed that many BTU/hour or KWH (one KWH = 3415 BTU/hour). -David

1. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Jan 06, 2002 12:42am | #2

   *There is another option. Use a heat pump. AFAIK the only heat pumps that can deliver hot water are some of the ground based (geothermal).

1. 
   Lost_Cook | Jan 06, 2002 08:55pm | #3

   *Thanks for your reply David. In Northern Minnesota, electric does have lower operating costs than propane, and the propane costs have jumped greatly this last year. Additionally, our location on the shore of Lake Superior not too far from the Canadian border limits shopping around between vendors. We are having a heat-loss calculation on the house. Any additional thoughts?

1. 
   Cloud_Hidden | Jan 07, 2002 02:34am | #4

   *Here's an air-sourced heat pump that delivers hot water. http://www.aquachillers.com/ Can't vouch for them one way or the other. Offered to me as an option if I need additional btus (beyond my ground source heat pump). Haven't had the need, so just stored the info.

1. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Jan 07, 2002 07:37pm | #5

   *CloudThanks. I looked at there web site and it might just be what I am looking for.

2. 
   David_Thomas | Jan 07, 2002 11:42pm | #6

   *An air-source heat pump might not be the way to go in Northern Minnesota. When you need the most heat (winter) you only have cold air to draw it from. Most all heat pumps have an electric resistance mode when the outside temps get low. But why spend big $$ for all the heat pump equipment just to operate it as a resistance heater? A ground- or groundwater-sourced heat pump would be more efficient and could operate as a heat pump all year round. The downside is the greater installation cost of the ground loop or wells.Fuel oil is available almost everywhere, certainly in the north woods where you are. You hear a lot about fuel oil price volatility in the news because it can vary two-fold within a year. But even at its highest, it is cheaper than propane or electric. And while you may buy an expensive tank of oil once or twice in five years, you'll also be buying some cheap tanks of oil, especially if you plan ahead and/or have a larger-than-average tank. Call around and get some local quotes on fuel oil costs. That might convince you.If your HVAC vendor hasn't spelled out a fuel oil option for you, find one that can. They are certainly available. Including ones that can provide both hot water for the radiant floor AND domestic hot water, thereby avoiding the need for a hot water heater (and its floor space, flue, etc). -David

2. 
   Lost_Cook | Jan 07, 2002 11:45pm | #7

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   We're confused over which is a a better choice to power the in-floor heating system in our new house. The basement in-floor heating will be in concrete and the main floor in gypcrete. The price of propane is variable and has been rising, but an electric boiler costs twice a much as a propane boiler (The pay back is about 29 years for an electric system). The house will be timber framed with structural insulated panel walls and ceiling. Is more more trouble-prone than the other, etc. We would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have. Thanks.