Can I keep my hydronic heating?

Can I keep my hydronic heating?



Want to get rid of the gas supply to your property but love your existing hydronic heating system? You're probably wondering about the best way forward.
 
The good news is that it's relatively straightforward to decide the best outcome for your requirements.
 
This article will help present you with the different options and assist you in making a decision.

 A quick review of hydronic heating systems 

You're here because you've already got a hydronic heating system, so we probably don't need to spend long on this. However, we'd like to make sure that we're starting from the same point.
 
Common in many parts of the world (particularly the northern hemisphere), hydronic heating is highly regarded as it provides comfortable, radiant heat distributed via water in pipes. The closed, pressurised system radiates heat via wall panels, underfloor coils or the thermal mass of a concrete slab.
 
The vast majority of hydronic heating systems in Australia use panel heaters, so this article is focussed on those types of systems.
If you have an underfloor or slab-based system, join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass to gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!
The energy source for a hydronic system is commonly a gas furnace but the system can also be powered by electricity, using heat pumps.

 Your options from this point 

You're focussed on making a decision, so let's get straight into your options at this point:
  1. Stick with your existing hydronic system.
  2. Replace the energy source to heat the water in your hydronic system.
  3. Retire your hydronic system and replace it with a different system.

Option 1: Stick with your existing system 

This is fairly easy to address at this point. If you want to reduce your dependence on gas (which is a very good objective) then you can discount this option.
If you're not sure about the value of getting off gas, check out our article, 'Is Gas Bad?'

Option 2: Replace your energy source 

This is possible, but it will be costly. Heat pumps are a workable alternative, but they do not work as effectively in a hydronic system as gas boilers.
As a ball-park, you'll be spending $20k+ on a hydronic heat pump system.
On top of the purchase costs of the system, you may need to pay for additional upgrades. Gas boilers can get to 85 degrees and require no extra tanks or 3-phase power supply. Heat pumps in a hydronic system need 3 phase power, an extra storage tank, and will still only heat to around 55 degrees.
 
This means upgrading from gas to electric may also require larger radiator panels to compensate for the lower output temperature from the heat pump. If you don't have a 3-phase mains supply, you're also looking at the cost of a potential mains upgrade. 
Unsure what we mean when we talk about upgrading your mains supply? This article will take you though it.
If you'd like to keep exploring this option, follow these next steps to check if your existing radiator panels would provide a reasonable amount of heat when plugged into a heat pump.

Step 1: Drop your boiler temperature 
Turn the output temperature down on your gas boiler system to 55 degrees for a few days. How does this feel?  Feel the heat from each of the radiators. Which ones aren't providing enough heat and will need upgrading?
 
Step 2: Contact a local supplier  
Find a business that provides hydronic heat pump products. Supply the dimensions of your current radiators. Specify the underperforming ones and the supplier can calculate resized replacements that will perform better.
In terms of fitting replacement panels into your space, it's likely that replacements will be the same width but deeper or taller.
While you're at it, provide the supplier with clear photos of your switchboard so they can work out your existing mains supply and if you'll need any electrical upgrades to your mains supply and switchboard to accommodate the heat pump.
 
Step 3: Check the quote 
Based on the sizes of all the radiators (existing and replacement), the supplier should be able to work out the required power output of the heat pump that will heat the water in your system. The quote they provide should include costs for:
  1. Any electrical upgrades,
  2. Upgrades to radiator panels,
  3. The supply and installation of a correctly-sized heat pump,
  4. Disposal of the existing gas boiler and underperforming radiator panels.

Option 3: Replace the system 

For those where budget is a factor, this is our recommended option. Due to the up front expenditure and ongoing running costs, hydronic heating is not cost effective.
 
We recommend you retire your hydronic heating system and make the move to split system reverse cycle air conditioning.
 
Purchase, installation and running costs will be significantly lower and your system will provide heating, cooling, and dehumidifying in one package.
As a ball-park, expect to spend an average of $2.5k per room to install split system reverse cycle air conditioning. If you've got a large home options also exist for ducted systems.
The right tradie will be able to remove your old hydronic heating system and install a split system.

Next steps

We understand this can be a difficult decision, so hopefully the options we have outlined will assist in the process. When you have made a decision, there are a number of ways to move forward.
 
If you are ready to take up Option 2 and add a heat pump to your hydronic heating system, or Option 3 and you are looking to replace your system with a split system, then you need to consider trusted tradies. We walk you through how to find one in our article, 'How to find a trusted tradie?'
 
If you're interested, in a split system reverse cycle air conditioner, have a look at our article, 'Which is the best split system air conditioner?'
 
If you want to continue to think about your options, you can read our article, 'How can I replace my gas heating system?'
 
If you'd like support from people who have done this before, consider Energy Freedom Homes. Join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass and learn to identify your needs, gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!