Comments on: Alternate Solar Thermal & Radiant Heating Combo Systems http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/ The former home of the 100k Blog Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:21:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Lynda http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-5566 Lynda Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:37:34 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-5566 We went to a "green convention" yesterday and came out a little confused. We live in New Mexico and get sun most of the year. We have a 3700 square foot house and our hot water and heating/radiant main level and forced hot air upper level runs on propane. It is very expensive to say the least. The confusion I have is the 1st rep we talked to only sells PV systems and said it would be very expensive to get PV and a thermal system unless we converted our hot water heater and radiant heat furnace to electric and then get a PV system. Second rep said she that would be too expensive and we should just consider a Thermal solar system. The third rep introduced us to a system he installs for both the hotwater heater and radiant heat and it would use three thermal solar panels plus a tank (either a Shuco system or Stiebel system SBB 400 plus or SBB 600 plus). He said we would just have the one tank which would replace the existing hot water heater. Would this be enough to heat our radiant heat in the winter and still have hot water to take showers, plus dishwasher and laundry? We have 5 people in the house. The fourth rep said we would need at least 6 or 7 solar thermal panels the hot water tank plus a separate tank for the radiant heat (double the cost of rep 3). I really want to convert to something that is reliable and not get the wrong system. Any suggestions? We went to a “green convention” yesterday and came out a little confused. We live in New Mexico and get sun most of the year. We have a 3700 square foot house and our hot water and heating/radiant main level and forced hot air upper level runs on propane. It is very expensive to say the least. The confusion I have is the 1st rep we talked to only sells PV systems and said it would be very expensive to get PV and a thermal system unless we converted our hot water heater and radiant heat furnace to electric and then get a PV system. Second rep said she that would be too expensive and we should just consider a Thermal solar system. The third rep introduced us to a system he installs for both the hotwater heater and radiant heat and it would use three thermal solar panels plus a tank (either a Shuco system or Stiebel system SBB 400 plus or SBB 600 plus). He said we would just have the one tank which would replace the existing hot water heater. Would this be enough to heat our radiant heat in the winter and still have hot water to take showers, plus dishwasher and laundry? We have 5 people in the house. The fourth rep said we would need at least 6 or 7 solar thermal panels the hot water tank plus a separate tank for the radiant heat (double the cost of rep 3). I really want to convert to something that is reliable and not get the wrong system. Any suggestions?

]]> By: Tankless water heaters. Any opinion? - Page 3 - Philadelphia Speaks http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-2270 Tankless water heaters. Any opinion? - Page 3 - Philadelphia Speaks Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:28:20 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-2270 [...] heat at least your top floor very nicely and if logistically possible even heat most of the home. Alternate Solar Thermal & Radiant Heating Combo Systems | 100K House Blog __________________ ?Being blunt with your feelings is very American. In this big country, I can [...] [...] heat at least your top floor very nicely and if logistically possible even heat most of the home. Alternate Solar Thermal & Radiant Heating Combo Systems | 100K House Blog __________________ ?Being blunt with your feelings is very American. In this big country, I can [...]

]]> By: Tankless water heaters. Any opinion? - Page 3 - Philadelphia Speaks http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-2268 Tankless water heaters. Any opinion? - Page 3 - Philadelphia Speaks Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:59:09 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-2268 [...] heat at least your top floor very nicely and if logistically possible even heat most of the home. Alternate Solar Thermal & Radiant Heating Combo Systems | 100K House Blog __________________ ?Being blunt with your feelings is very American. In this big country, I can [...] [...] heat at least your top floor very nicely and if logistically possible even heat most of the home. Alternate Solar Thermal & Radiant Heating Combo Systems | 100K House Blog __________________ ?Being blunt with your feelings is very American. In this big country, I can [...]

]]> By: tom toolbag http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-2205 tom toolbag Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:45:52 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-2205 I have a few observations, ideas and suggestions. Suppose you have a houe with 2 bedrooms. The water heater will be sized accordingly, for 2-4 people. Now let's call the 2nd b/r an office, does the formula change? One step further is that it is a hobby or storage room that is used sporadically, then what? My point is that I always ask how, and what and when. How was the effiency measured, and what were the conditions when it was measured? If a system is designed to be 95% efficient when running full-on, and the house is super-insulated, what would it's efficiency be when running at 1/2 throttle so to speak and an older poorly insulated house be? I like solar thermal because it's relatively simple and cheap over the life of a home. I'd start with 1 or 2 panels and see how it works and increase it from there. There is no such thing as underkill. The cooling ideahas a little merit to it though, why the floor? Why not in the ceiling so the cool temp could drop into the comfort zone, because if it's in the floor it can't drop any lower. I think this would also give you cold feet if the floor slab was too cold, not to mention condensation issues. Why not just run tubing through the slab down into the ground under the basement slab and create a loop with a circulation pump? One big thing that affects comfort is humidity. Low humidity solves a lot of problems and creates a more confortable environment. The price of pex tubing and the possible gain doesn't justify it in my opinion. You would be better off to use a small portable a/c-dehumidifier unit that you could move from room to room. I hope that I don't sound too negative, but reasoning goes a long way. I like the fact that at least they are trying to find some new alternatives. I have a few observations, ideas and suggestions. Suppose you have a houe with 2 bedrooms. The water heater will be sized accordingly, for 2-4 people. Now let’s call the 2nd b/r an office, does the formula change? One step further is that it is a hobby or storage room that is used sporadically, then what? My point is that I always ask how, and what and when. How was the effiency measured, and what were the conditions when it was measured? If a system is designed to be 95% efficient when running full-on, and the house is super-insulated, what would it’s efficiency be when running at 1/2 throttle so to speak and an older poorly insulated house be? I like solar thermal because it’s relatively simple and cheap over the life of a home. I’d start with 1 or 2 panels and see how it works and increase it from there. There is no such thing as underkill.

The cooling ideahas a little merit to it though, why the floor? Why not in the ceiling so the cool temp could drop into the comfort zone, because if it’s in the floor it can’t drop any lower. I think this would also give you cold feet if the floor slab was too cold, not to mention condensation issues. Why not just run tubing through the slab down into the ground under the basement slab and create a loop with a circulation pump? One big thing that affects comfort is humidity. Low humidity solves a lot of problems and creates a more confortable environment. The price of pex tubing and the possible gain doesn’t justify it in my opinion. You would be better off to use a small portable a/c-dehumidifier unit that you could move from room to room.
I hope that I don’t sound too negative, but reasoning goes a long way. I like the fact that at least they are trying to find some new alternatives.

]]> By: bolortuya http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-1954 bolortuya Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:36:56 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-1954 i'm mongolian. i'm student. i study for renewable i’m mongolian. i’m student. i study for renewable

]]> By: Free Radiant Cooling - A Closer Look | 100khouse.com http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-878 Free Radiant Cooling - A Closer Look | 100khouse.com Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:25:57 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-878 [...] weeks ago we looked at two solar thermal and radiant heating systems by Radiantec. One of the options that Radiantec offers is a very simple diverter valve that allows [...] [...] weeks ago we looked at two solar thermal and radiant heating systems by Radiantec. One of the options that Radiantec offers is a very simple diverter valve that allows [...]

]]> By: chad http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-833 chad Wed, 28 May 2008 10:47:33 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-833 Thanks for the feedback Susan. Looks like you've got a great project up there in Vermont. I love the inspirational images of modern barn houses you posted. I always drool over the examples that Justin digs up at materialicious also. Added your blog to our blogroll. Keep up the good work. P.S. - Nice choice in ceiling fans! Thanks for the feedback Susan. Looks like you’ve got a great project up there in Vermont. I love the inspirational images of modern barn houses you posted. I always drool over the examples that Justin digs up at materialicious also. Added your blog to our blogroll. Keep up the good work.

P.S. – Nice choice in ceiling fans!

]]> By: Susan Hayes http://www.100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-831 Susan Hayes Wed, 28 May 2008 00:15:38 +0000 http://100khouse.com/2008/05/27/alternate-solar-thermal-radiant-heating-combo-systems/#comment-831 Hi there, I have been following your blog for awhile now and love the level of detail you provide on all that you are researching. This site has been an incredible resource for me and my husband as we make plans for our green, energy efficient home in northern Vermont. I just wanted to let you know that Radiantec has a fantastic reputation in our neck of the woods for providing fantastic products and customer service. If your budget allows, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you work with them. I have honestly heard nothing negative about their enterprise...somewhat rare in the construction business! Best of luck with your project and thanks again for this wonderfully helpful blog. My sister lives in Philly and is anxiously awaiting the day when she can visit the finished 100k house! Susan www.greenhousevt.blogspot.com Hi there,

I have been following your blog for awhile now and love the level of detail you provide on all that you are researching. This site has been an incredible resource for me and my husband as we make plans for our green, energy efficient home in northern Vermont. I just wanted to let you know that Radiantec has a fantastic reputation in our neck of the woods for providing fantastic products and customer service. If your budget allows, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you work with them. I have honestly heard nothing negative about their enterprise…somewhat rare in the construction business! Best of luck with your project and thanks again for this wonderfully helpful blog. My sister lives in Philly and is anxiously awaiting the day when she can visit the finished 100k house!

Susan
http://www.greenhousevt.blogspot.com

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