ARLINGTON, Va. - The Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA) has announced the completion of its Website, myhome heating.com. In July and August 2007, the HIA launched two new major sections on its Website: a section specifically for architects and engineers, and a section for home builders and remodelers. The Website already had individualized sections for consumers/homeowners and HVAC and plumbing contractors.

Now architects, engineers, builders, and remodelers have a reference for the installation and uses of hydronic heating. The site details the benefits and applications of hydronic heating and answers frequently asked questions.

The HIA, chaired by Richard Simons, director, residential combustion controls, Honeywell International, is a coalition of members of the Hydronics Institute Division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) - an association of appliance and equipment manufacturers.

Twenty-nine companies have joined together to increase industry and consumer awareness of the latest technological advances in home heating comfort.

“Now builders, architects, and engineers have a home base for practical, easy-to-access, and up-to-date information on hydronic heating,” said Simons.

“These new Website sections are especially designed for builders, architects, and installers who are interested in hydronic heating and want to know more about how to get started with it.

“At myhomeheating.com they can find out what to do, who to talk to, where to get detailed information, and how to work easily and effectively with hy-dronic heating the very first time. However, even though all the sections for myhomeheating.com are now posted, we will continually update the Website to keep current with new industry developments. For example, we soon plan to add a ‘Hydronic Heating Resources’ section.”

NEW ONLINE INFORMATION FOR ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS

The two new sections of myhomeheating.com provide practical, new information geared to architects, engineers, HVAC professionals, home builders, and remodelers including:

• Clear explanations of the many types of hydronic heating delivery systems;

• How to incorporate domestic hot water into a hydronic heating system;

• How air conditioning and hydronic heating smoothly work together;

• Where to find optimal air conditioning systems for use with hydronic heating;

• How to ensure a successful hydronic heating installation;

• How to use proper design and planning to eliminate potential problems;

• Access to an extensive library of hydronic heating books, publications, and CDs;

• Where to find qualified hydronic heating professionals;

• The economics of hydronic heating for builders;

• Case histories of successful hydronic installations;

• How a builder can get started with hydronic heating; and

• What builders should ask hydronic-heating installers before working with them.

Hydronic heating systems use a boiler to heat water, which is the heat transfer medium. The heated water is then circulated to heat distributors located throughout the home. These heat distributors can be radiators, finned-tube baseboard, radiant tubing, towel warmers, and kick space heaters. In addition, the boiler can be used to indirectly heat domestic water and whirlpool baths and can also be used for ice and snow melting on sidewalks and driveways.

According to HIA, industry interest in hydronic heating is rapidly growing because home-owners are asking their builders, architects, and contractors for comfortable and efficient heating for their homes.

Hydronic heating provides draft-free, quiet, and clean heat with no hot or cold spots. In addition, hydronic heating allows each room or area of the home to be zoned separately for substantial energy savings.

Recent advances in cooling technology also allow for the successful operation of air conditioning along with a hydronic heating installation. Hydronic heating is highly energy efficient because it is delivered through completely sealed systems with a minimal loss of heat.

For more information, e-mail myhomeheating@gamanet.org.

Publication date: 10/08/2007