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I am currently building a new home in southern new england.
Most of the work I’ve done before has involved forced hot water systems.
I am getting more requests to have forced hot air systems with a/c options installed. I know pretty much next to nothing about hvac systems other than they spit out hot and cold air and there is a ton of sheet metal involved. The information I am getting from contractors is not very helpful either. I am basically looking to find out what a basic forced hot air system consists of and what the new “hydro – air” systems are and what the differences are besides a couple thousand dollars.
Thanx
Jay
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A basic forced air system consists a furnace; which is a cabinet, blower, burner, heat exchanger, and controls in one box; a condensing unit that consists of a compressor, condenser coil and a fan; an evaporator coil that usually sits in an insulated case on top of the furnace or in an insulated plenum on the furnace; supply and return ductwork and a thermostat.
A hydro air system consists of all the same stuff, except the burner and heat exchanger are replaced by a hot water coil and a source of hot water.
Average installed cost for a basic system is $2500 to $3500 per ton and, depending on climate, exposure and construction, sized at 1 ton per 600-800 square feet of conditioned space. Houses over 3000 square feet are best served by mutliple smaller systems.
Gas furnaces are available in efficiencies of up to 94% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), condensing units (for the residential market) rang from SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) from 10 to 15.
*Jay ckeck out the thread I started Central A/C with Hydronic Heat by Geo. There is a lot of info there. Tim and the Guys were very helpful. I'm using this system in my new house on Long Island. No baseboards to worry about. Most of the duct work is run in the attic and Basement. This Hydronic System is Supposed to be better than Regular Hot Air. As Tim Said it Blows Air over Hot Water Coils. It should be less Harsh And Don't forget to Humidify. And if your putting in Central Air it is More Cost Effective. George
*http://homewiring.tripod.com/airconbasic.htmlbrian
*try :heatinghelp.comAndy