Friday, November 6th (and some on October 30th) Cory installed the boiler (Munchkin Contender, up to 94% efficient) and some of the pumps/piping needed for the radiant heat. Heat production is regulated by the outside temperature and which zone/device is calling for heat. For radiant heating the temperature of the water might be 130 degrees F. For the hot water maker (see below) or garage heater it will be 200+ degrees F.

The hot water maker (Triangle Tube Smart 60) will be installed later. It is capable of 410 gallons/hour recovery or 360 gallons continuous. If we can keep water flowing through all the pipes, we can heat it up. Lifetime warranty. Neat.

Kind of a shame this stuff is all hidden in the utility room.

We were told by one builder that radiant heat wouldn't make the floor feel warm because our house is "tight" and well insulated. They had no idea what they were talking about. In fairness, it isn't warm continuously, but when the floor calls for heat, warm it is. I think with a bit of tinkering with a programmable thermostat, it's going to be Marvelous. Because of the thermal mass in the floors additional lead time is required for temperature changes... It just feels like a different kind of heat. But different in a GOOD way. Unless we just curl up on the floor and nap through the winter.