Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years in many parts of the U.S. It is seeing a surge in popularity at present, mainly because of the increasing use of radiant floor heating, which is known for providing even, comfortable heat. Yet contrary to popular belief, not every home in the free world needs hydronic heat to achieve this level of comfort.

Apples to Oranges

Hydronic heat is sometimes touted as more comfortable than forced-air heat. But since the typical hydronic system is significantly more expensive than the typical hot-air system, especially if cooling is included, this is an apples-to-oranges comparison. Customers willing to invest in a quality hot-air system, rather than a bare-bones package at the lowest price, will find that forced hot air can be as comfortable as hydronic heating. Unfortunately, if the heating system is hot water and the home owner doesn't spend the extra up front to cool their home, their finished home may be still too expensive to add the cooling system later and probably imposable to even install without doing even more expensive and inconvenient remodeling to accommodate such an install. Or the homeowner may have to add a window air conditioner instead to each of the rooms in the home. Another system maybe a ductless system that is not as efficient as the central split system design on a standard forced air install.

The least expensive forced-air system usually includes a single-stage furnace with a single-speed blower motor. The entire house is ducted as a single zone, and therefore has just one thermostat. If the system is sized by a contractor who uses a rule-of-thumb formula to estimate heat loss and heat gain, the homeowner can end up paying higher-energy bills for a noisier, less efficient system that provides uneven temperatures from room to room.

A quality forced-air system would probably include a Coleman two-stage furnace with a variable-speed blower motor.

The house would be separated into several zones, I recommend Arzel Zoning Systems, with separate thermostats, and the air would be distributed through well-sealed, insulated ducts. In many cases, such an upgraded hot-air system will still cost less than a hydronic system.

About The Author

Daniel Gipe is President of Yours By Design Heating and Cooling, Inc. in Blaine, Minnesota. Website: www.ybdhc.com

sales@ybdhc.com

---

Ladder Décor ? the Possibilities Are Endless

With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More

Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames

Would you like to add a personal touch to your... Read More

Securing Your Castle

In the world of today, we no longer employ the... Read More

Picnic Tables for Casual Dining Fun

Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand,... Read More

Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings

Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More

Log Homes - Is a Log Home In Your Future?

Many people dream about a log home in their future... Read More

In The Mood

Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time... Read More

How to Install a Ceiling Fan - A Simple Guide

A Complete manual on how to install a Ceiling Fan... Read More

Whats So Special About My Front Door?

"The doors we open and close each day decide the... Read More

Why Laminate Flooring is the Perfect Choice for Families

If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More

Hand Stripping Furniture

Directions for HAND Stripping.Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles... Read More

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map

The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map... Read More

Corrugated Roofing Materials Used for Roofing Any Structure

The roof is a very essential element of the house,... Read More

Wood Panels and Humidity

Coping with wood movementAll wood workers need to be aware... Read More

Kitchen Design Online ? Understanding the Work Triangle and Kitchen Layouts

Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your... Read More

Architect or Building Designer ? Who Do You Choose?

Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you... Read More

Consumer Guides: Finding A Quality Contractor and Power Washing Tips

Power washing is the application of high pressure water spray.... Read More

Hot Tub Heaven

What will your next home improvement project be? Will it... Read More

What To Look For In Persian Rugs

Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for... Read More

Spring Into Action: Home Maintenance

Spring has sprung! Even more important than buds, birds, and... Read More

Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art

If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More

How To Choose Decorative, Recessed Locking Mailboxes

Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for... Read More

The Advantages of Steel Buildings

Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal... Read More

Is a Hot Tub for You? Top 5 Questions You Need to Answer

As a way of relaxing, more and more people are... Read More

Dual Pane Window Glass Repair

For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how... Read More

An Introduction to Waterproofing Systems

Many homeowners find it necessary to invest in a waterproofing... Read More

Spring Chores at the Cabin

Whether you live in your cabin year round or it's... Read More

Unadulterated Truth About Black Mold: What You Don?t Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your Health

With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous... Read More

Avoid Problems Painting Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

Anyone with older aluminum siding is well aware of the... Read More

The Benefits of Closet Dehumidifiers

If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched... Read More

?5 Fast Ideas to Freshen the Look of your Room

"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More

Candle Making 101

If you'd like to try your hand at candle making,... Read More