![]() ![]() ![]() The largest problem with using a water heater is the standby loss of the volume of stored water in the tank while the system is not running. A boiler cost will be initially higher but will provide faster response, more efficient heating, less standby loss and outlast a water heater and therefore is the preferred option. If the water heater is used for domestic water heating as well, then a stainless steel or copper heat exchanger should be used to separate the two systems. Since all radiant panel systems should be designed “closed-loop” for longevity, a water heater if used without a heat exchanger should be dedicated to the radiant system. Water heaters are not only less complicated than hydronic boiler systems but they are easier to install so both the material and labor costs associated with the installation are cheaper. For smaller additions to a home, less than a 1000 square feet, the cost of the heat source equipment can be reduced if a water heater is used. For example, the cost difference for a 100,000 BTU boiler for a small home and a 200,000 BTU boiler for a larger home may only be several hundred dollars more instead of double the initial boiler cost. Since the initial cost of the boiler safety and support equipment required for system operation is incurred with each project but minimally affected by system output, the cost for a smaller project generally runs higher per square foot than a larger project. The variance in price is mainly affected by the amount of separate zoned areas and the overall size of the system. On average, a radiant heating system will typically cost between $6-$12 per square foot to install. How much should a typical radiant system cost? Forced air systems also affect the air quality of your home if not maintained regularly where as a radiant system promotes no dust or allergens to effect the home environment. Radiant heating systems are less maintenance and more efficient which means less cost to operate. The cost of filters and other maintenance including, bearings, belts, fans and motors for forced-air systems can dramatically increase the amount of your investment from a service standpoint. The average life expectancy of a forced-air furnace may be between 10-25 years where the average boiler system can last between 30-45 years. A typical force-air furnace system for a 2,000 sq. Not only are radiant systems less costly to run, but they increase the value of your home since thye are seen as more desirable by providing more comfort from the absence of dust and irritants. After the initial cost the real value in a radiant heating system is realized from lower-fuel costs and less maintenance. Yet some forced-air systems can cost more than radiant systems due to sophisticated electronic zoning equipment and controls which are additional features to the system but usually standard with a radiant system. Laying the radiant panel circuits 12 inches on center throughout a room takes more time than installing a few air ducts for the forced-air requirements. The main reason for this is the radiant floor system is more labor intensive to install. However, on average a typical forced-air system will run 10%-25% cheaper than a radiant heating system. According to the mentioned parameters, either system can sometimes be cheaper or more expensive to install. The answer to this question can be two sided and affected by certain factors like the kind of structure, life style requirements of the occupants, quality, location, and the availability of products to be installed. What is the difference in equipment cost between radiant heating versus a forced air furnace system? I have heard that radiant heating systems are more efficient, but why do some people who have them say they cost a fortune to run?.How much should a typical radiant system cost?.What is the difference in equipment cost between radiant heating versus a forced air furnace system?. ![]()
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