Ok, I understand from the outset that asking for a SWAG at the costs is asking a bit much but I am trying to determine if the option is even worth perusing before I bring in a sales person for their pitch.
Finishing an almost completely below grade basement. Concrete slab and 8″ poured walls. Home uses gas for both forced warm air and hot water (50 gal WH). The space to be heated is approx 550 square feet and located in the burbs of Washington DC.
I’d love to do radiant – I just have no clue of the costs. If the costs are out of my reach then forced air is still an option because trunk and return ducts for the first floor are still accessible, as are the joist bays. No framing has yet been done so supply registers can be added and located close to the floor.
Is anyone able to venture an estimate for radiant based upon their experience?
Thanks much for your input,
Dan
Replies
Not sure if this is going to be a SWAG or just a WAG.
If you HAVEN"T poured the slab yet, then I'd do either 3 loops of 1/2" PEX, 150-200 feet each or 4 loops, 130-150 feet each. If you are trying to do it cheap, then take hot water from the HWH through a tempering valve, circulator pump, and back to the HWH. Inspector may or may not like that (without a heat exchanger) - it varies by jurisdiction.
I'd figure about $600 of parts and materials if I was doing in my own house. If you don't want to do the plumbing, then maybe $200 on the tubing (which you or the concrete guys could tie down to the 6x6 WWF. And about $1,200 to the plumber for parts and labor.
If you HAVE already poured the slab - Oops. Maybe $2,500 for someone to come in a do a thin pour plus the plumbing.
I really like having warm feet when it is -40F outside.
Thanks for the feedback David.
Apologies, I should have been more clear - the slab is already there. It's a matter of running the PEX, installing the manifold and pump, and figuring out the heat source. I've done a little reading on the subject - just enough to know what I don't know, and I think my largest concern, other than the cost, is over taxing the existing WH.
Dan
Try this forum:
http://www.rpa-info.com/forums/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Public+Bulletin+Board&number=24&DaysPrune=60&LastLogin=
Thanks for that link Johnny - very interesting reading, and lots of debate over "open" vs. "closed" systems.
Ok, looks like the cost of a closed system and the reduction of ceiling height rules out the radiant floor. Pity though, really wanted to do it.
Dan
"really wanted to do it"
That's why you should always be planing the NEXT house you're going to build.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska