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

[Alchemy Construction Inc]

   Your welcome.
   The x pump block runs around $800-1000 bucks.
   The tapings on the radiant side fit Uponor ( formerly wirsbo) manifolds
   exactly.
   You get two pumps, a heat exchanger, air elimination, and water temperature
   control with an outdoor reset.
   The Radiant Mixing Block is the same less heat exchanger.
   It's funny that Heat Transfer Products doesn't have their new water heater
   on their site but take a look here:
   [1]http://www.jtgmuir.com/manufacturers/phoenix.html.
   If you have a hard time locating these products to purchase e-mail us.
   Sincerely,
--
Stephen Bohner
Alchemy Construction Inc.
[2]www.alchemyinc.com
707-822-8013

   Keith Winston wrote:

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:


[3]http://taco-hvac.com/en/products/Radiant+Systems/products.html?current_categ
ory=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.
[4]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.
[5]http://www.taco-hvac.com/
The New Phoenix water heater is going to fill a large hole in combined
hydronic heating.....
Sincerely,

References

   1. http://www.jtgmuir.com/manufacturers/phoenix.html
   2. http://www.alchemyinc.com/
   3. http://taco-hvac.com/en/products/Radiant+Systems/products.html?current_category=61
   4. http://www.alchemyinc.com/
   5. http://www.taco-hvac.com/