The terms "value added" and "value engineering" often pop up during sales presentations and design planning. The terms are basically self-explanatory, and usually refer to adding something, such as a more efficient or more effective piece of equipment to a system. The concept of adding value can be important when it comes to selling a hydronic heating system, as some customers need to be shown that the benefits of a hydronic system - such as added comfort or increased efficiency - can help overcome higher initial costs. The News asked some hydronic equipment manufacturers about value engineering and how contractors can use key features of hydronic equipment to sell a whole system.
"Once a customer is exposed to radiant heat, its comfort level, and the fuel savings associated with it, to value engineer it out of a building is actually misleading the consumer. There is absolutely no way that warm air heat can match the comfort level of radiant heat. If you want that comfort, the customer has to pay a little bit more for it."