Hello again,

Once again I'm writing about our planned ICF bungalow.  My first question dealt with embedding "rafter tails" in SIP roof panels.  Now I want to ask about heating.  [If I'm in the wrong forum, just tell me to get lost, but I wanted the practical experience of contractors who've worked with ICF houses.]

Like many people, we have been attracted to in-the-floor radiant heating; however, the more I get into it, the more it seems like overkill, especially for a modestly-sized ICF house like the one we're planning.  The basic footprint is almost a square, 38'W X 34'D, 1.5 stories.  It will be built in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where the climate is mild.

Obviously with ICF walls and a SIP roof it is going to be well insulated.  So do I really need an expensive radiant heat system?  (I obviously don't want forced-air, with ducts, etc. )  This is the last house we'll ever own, and our funds are limited--it must pencil out. 

Questions:

1) How do I go about figuring out my real BTU needs, so that I can talk with an HVAC contractor in a knowledgeable way?

2) I'm attracted to the small Rinnai direct-vent wall heaters.  Would these suffice? Obviously the answer to this depends on the structure's BTU needs.  But can someone who has used them advise me?

3) How does the house's HRV system work with its heating system?  Or does it?  Does an HRV system involve ducting?

A lotta questions...

Gordon

If you do quite a bit of the work, you can save some pretty good bucks.


We have a free one on our website. Email me if you have any questions.


Can't help you there.
If you had forced air, it would usually be integrated into it. With radiant, you'll need a stand-alone unit. Some simple ones work w/o ducting, but for an entire house you'll probably need some ducting.

Good Luck!