[Greenbuilding] Radiant heat/DHW for a 400 SF in-law unit - recommendations?

[Keith Winston]

Thanks! Now, I imagine the X-Pump Block by Taco is pricey, because from 
the description it uses their fancy integrated-controller pumps, which I 
got a $500 quote on when I checked when they first came out (for an 007, 
comparably priced below $100 in it's normal version). But I'll be very 
interested in seeing what they go for, assuming my local plumbing supply 
houses stock them, or I can get them easily. They would be really 
convenient...

Well, the Phoenix does sound interesting -- the tank, modulating and 
condensing is potentially a good match for solar, although it's not 
on-demand, is it?. Do you know where I can find technical information on 
it? I've spent 20 minutes or more searching, which is a lot of time for 
something that really ought to be obvious (that is, a hot new product 
like that). Maybe they just haven't quite hit the streets with it? 
Thanks again for drawing my attention to it.

Keith


Alchemy Construction Inc wrote:
> http://taco-hvac.com/en/products/Radiant+Systems/products.html?current_category=61
> The x pump block controls water temperature by either a setpoint,  
> Delta T or outdoor reset.
> The Radiant Mixing Block does the same without the heat exchanger.
> Both Include air elimination.
> Not a big marketing push by HTP at the moment but their new Phoenix 
> water heaters are Modulating /condensing water heaters.  PVC vented, 
> thus low exhaust temps. High efficiencies with the added benefit of 
> tank storage to fully tap solar harvesting and micro zoning, while 
> able to handle sustained flue gas condensation all day long, unlike 
> flash heaters.
> The new Takagi TK3's must be vented with Stainless venting along with 
> the Noritz line.  I'm guessing they are addressing sustained flue gas 
> condensation problems......
> Sincerely,
>
> -- 
> Stephen Bohner
> Alchemy Construction Inc.
> www.alchemyinc.com
> 707-822-8013
>
>
>
> Keith Winston wrote:
>> I imagine you're talking about the double-pumped-flat-plate-exchanger in 
>> a package by Taco? Is it called an X Block? I've just started seeing 
>> them listed, never seen one -- what do they go for? That pre-packaged 
>> stuff tends to be expensive... Of course, the time savings... You 
>> directed us to the Taco site, but I couldn't find what product you were 
>> pointing out (you just gave a general address). What does Taco call it?
>>
>> Why do you say that about the Phoenix? I can't see what it has that's 
>> new? Nor can I find hardly any information on the web: apparently it's 
>> made by Heat Transfer Products, the Munchkin manufacturer, but they 
>> don't list it on their website. Phoenix also makes a rather 
>> standard-appearing oil tank water heater. I just don't understand why 
>> this has come up twice in 2 days, is Phoenix doing a big marketing push 
>> right now or something?
>>
>> Keith
>>
>>
>> Alchemy Construction Inc wrote:
>>   
>>> An X Block tied to their hot water heater or
>>> an X Block tied to a solar hot water tank or
>>> or an x block tied to a new Phoenix water heater.
>>> that's in order of pricing hot water heater being cheapest
>>>
>>> The x block works great for smaller heating loads.
>>> http://www.taco-hvac.com/
>>> The New Phoenix water heater is going to fill a large hole in combined 
>>> hydronic heating.....
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>>   
>>>     
>>
>>   
>

-- 
Keith Winston
Earth Sun Energy Systems
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-980-6325
send me mail at 
keith at the company below
www.EarthSunEnergy.com