An Open and Closed Case
We recently requested and received quotes from two companies who sell radiant packages to DIYers. Both quotes were for open direct radiant systems - where the radiant system and the domestic hot water system are tied together, running off one water heater. Looking at the quotes we got back, I wondered if maybe I should get another one. I like having at least three of a given quote to choose from. So, I headed out to ask Google who else sells DIY radiant heat packages.
One of the sites had an article on why open direct radiant systems may be dangerous. I looked into the author's credentials, which certainly put him in the credible zone. I don't like to blindly trust anyone who wants me to give them money. A recent study (Ohio State) confirms that Legionella builds up in plumbing, and that the longer the run, the more it can build up. The downside is adding an extra water heater.
After bringing the article up for a lively (heated) discussion amongst some peers, we decided we'd rather be safe than sorry. Legionella usually only affects the very young, the very old, and the immune challenged. We have young children, older parents, and even if nothing were to happen anytime soon, we are getting older every day. There is no sense in trying to save a little money and opening ourselves (and our family) up to a potential health hazard which could be easily avoided.
We called back the companies and asked for quotes on closed systems. While we were at it, we decided to not put the heat below the first floor to begin with. The quotes include a two zone manifold for expanding that in the future, but since we won't be living in the house the first winter it is up, this will give us a chance to delay spending some money up front and see how well the slab radiant will heat the whole place, so we can get an idea if the radiant in the first floor is really necessary.
We have also been talking to the heater mason who will be building our masonry heater, when we get there. We want to get the design worked out so we know what size footing to pour for it when the foundation is done. He came up with some drawings, which I have rendered in SketchUp. I'll put the images in another post, but it is late and I must get up early to work.
One of the sites had an article on why open direct radiant systems may be dangerous. I looked into the author's credentials, which certainly put him in the credible zone. I don't like to blindly trust anyone who wants me to give them money. A recent study (Ohio State) confirms that Legionella builds up in plumbing, and that the longer the run, the more it can build up. The downside is adding an extra water heater.
After bringing the article up for a lively (heated) discussion amongst some peers, we decided we'd rather be safe than sorry. Legionella usually only affects the very young, the very old, and the immune challenged. We have young children, older parents, and even if nothing were to happen anytime soon, we are getting older every day. There is no sense in trying to save a little money and opening ourselves (and our family) up to a potential health hazard which could be easily avoided.
We called back the companies and asked for quotes on closed systems. While we were at it, we decided to not put the heat below the first floor to begin with. The quotes include a two zone manifold for expanding that in the future, but since we won't be living in the house the first winter it is up, this will give us a chance to delay spending some money up front and see how well the slab radiant will heat the whole place, so we can get an idea if the radiant in the first floor is really necessary.
We have also been talking to the heater mason who will be building our masonry heater, when we get there. We want to get the design worked out so we know what size footing to pour for it when the foundation is done. He came up with some drawings, which I have rendered in SketchUp. I'll put the images in another post, but it is late and I must get up early to work.
posted by SKelly | 11:15 PM
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