Replies

1. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Oct 24, 2000 05:08pm | #1

   *
   John...The radiant floor heat warms up way less air than forced air systems....
   b Way less.

   So if the air isn't warmed...it isn't trying as hard to rise and leak out of the hame...If it leaks out less...less leaks in...

   Point 2...Cooler air in a radiant home is more comfortable to breath isn't it?...I am always running the heat in my truck warm below and cool toward my face...It's more comfortable that way for me.

   Radiant homes feel warm with way less warm air at the upper reaches of the home...

   feet near the warm floor...head in the cool air stream...

   aj

1. 
   Alan_Kim | Oct 24, 2000 06:16pm | #2

   *Also, it seem, when the heated air is "blown" and comes out of registers and is stirred around the house the effect could feel "dry" compared to convective or radiant heat. And as AJ mentioned, it is at a much higher temperature this air is blown around.

1. 
   FredB | Oct 24, 2000 06:16pm | #3

   *John:Good, I can see your blood pressure going down as you type.Isn't it amazing that everyone's favorite just happens to also be the best?I like most kinds of heat but in the total picture of heating and air handling for a comfortable, healthy inside environment. Forced air isn't the current darling of the industry. But, I think it is very much underrated.

1. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Oct 24, 2000 06:26pm | #4

   *Ducts harbor disease...and are noisey.near the ducks by the stream,aj

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Oct 24, 2000 08:23pm | #5

   *The theory's great, but the practical reality seems to be that forced air systems are, in fact, dryer than radient systems.Maybe it's just my imagination, but I've lived in both and believe there's a difference.Maybe because of that hot dry air being forcable blown around, maybe because of pressure differentials lead to more air exchange, maybe ???Bob

2. 
   Gene_Leger_ | Oct 24, 2000 09:08pm | #6

   *John D. trethewy is a wet head: he believes only in forced hot water(FHW) or radiant floor heating(RFH). As a wet head hecalls those who prefere forced hot air heat (FHA) scorced air followers. Scorched air is a term that originated in 19t century Enmgland. Furnaces of that time were heated by fire applied directly to matal surfaces. The temperatures produced varied widely, often getting quite hot. Critics of the day called this heated air scorched air. When this practice was changed to hot water or steam coils placed in the furnace milder and more constant tempoeratures resulted. So why do we today still FHA heating scorched air? If you want to compare systems compare the heat capacity of air vs. water. GeneL

2. 
   JohnD_ | Oct 24, 2000 09:08pm | #7

   *
   In the recent TOH magazine, Mr. Tre......(whatever), our resident heating expert, said that he did not like forced air because it is cooked and dried out. He went on to say that radiant is more comfortable and better.

   NOW JUST WAIT A MINUTE!!!! Just where does that water in the forced air go? The cold air comes from the house volume, is warmed up, and returns to the house. SAME AIR!!!! Does my furnace have a secret water absorbing filter in the heat exchanger?

   Unless you are using electricals, all of you have the same little flame somewhere making heat, and emitting CO2 and H2O, but that stuff had damn well not be getting into your house, or you had better get the hell out until the heating contractor comes.

   So, Radiant, forced air, steam, hot water -- all contribute the same effect on the house moisture -- nothing except the combustion air that must seep into the house to feed the furnace flame. And, if you have an outside combustion air duct, they do NOTHING!!! NOTHING AT ALL!!!!

   (Ahh, that feels better. Thanks to Obviousman, I have acted.)