Living in SW Indiana, and hoping to build a modified Victoria Cottage, without the lofts/second floor. Radiant heat, regardless of fuel, while rare in this area, is, at least for efficient comfort in winter, the way to go. But, humidity here in summer approaches that of New Orleans or Savannah, and the heat index is pretty fierce too. Is there anyone on the board that has opted for radiant floor heating, but a forced air cooling system? Pros/cons?
Thanks
I thought this was an interesting read:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2002/1/1/Radiant-Floor-Heating-When-It-Does-and-Doesn-t-Make-Sense/
Not trying to talk you out of it or anything but when I was researching in floor radiant it took me a lot of hunting to find a couple articles that said something other than, "it's fantastic for everyone!"
Have you looked into ductless heat pumps (mini-splits)? Very efficient and would provide both heating and cooling.
Alan
Great article. Lots to think about in it. Thanks for sharing. As for the mini-split AC units, am not sold on those, wondering both about the dehumidification, and the looks.
Southern Steve,
Since you are not planning on any lofts, do you pan to have a accessible attic? If so you should be able to have a central air conditioning system installed for less than the mini-split systems. If you go mini-splits you would need at least 2, maybe 3 indoor units. Also do you plan to have a slab foundation regardless if you decide on in-floor radiant heat? If you do a slab foundation, and cathedral ceilings, then radiant in-floor heat and mini-splits might be your best bet. Also don't worry about if the min-splits can dehumidify, that is basically what a A/C is. Do you plan on installing the radiant system yourself ? Or at least the Pex tubing? Radiant systems don't have to be expensive either. I have seen systems that were no more complicated than one manifold supply (hot) one manifold return (cold), a 40 gallon water heater, pump, pump relay and transformer, thermostat, expansion tank, air bleeder, check valve, temp/pressure gauge. Now this is a very basic system too. Your heating source, number of zones, control circuit design is where it gets expensive.
I grew up in a house with radiant floor heat. There is nothing like it, very comfortable.
Also, here in FL lots of places use those mini splits and they work very well to dehumidify the air here. If they can dehumidifify the air here, they can do it anywhere. They're kinda pricey though. You could probably get a small central a/c unit with heat for about the price of 2 (or 3) mini's.
On my last house I did all the central a/c install myself, except for the brazing and charging of the system. Saved a ton of money doing it myself. Real simple too.