[.ca] Modern Hydronic Heating (Heating Ventilation/Air ... (ISBN 0827365950)

To much science, not enough practical information.:
I am a Master Plumber who was asked to design and install a Hydronic Heating System. I hoped this book would provide a step-by-step engineering process for designing a radiant heating system, but it does not. What it does provide is a somewhat scattered knowledge of Hydronic Heating, at the engineering and scientific levels, but does not bring them together to create anything useful like how to design a system. If you are to use this book to design a system, you are on your own. You must conceptualize the design yourself and choose the applicable engineering from various chapters in the book. I find it very frustrating. I don't care how many BTUs/lb it takes to convert water to ice or vice versa, or the specific heat of steel. I just want to create a Hydronic heating system without being dragged through a lot of unnecessary knowledge. If you new to Hydronic Heating you will need several days to familiarize yourself enough with the math and concepts presented in this book to design a system. Hope you have the time!

Wish I'd had this before building my system:
This book is quite comprehensive, covering every component of a hydronic heating system in detail, along with exercises and system diagrams of numerous variations. Even simple components such as air purge devices and expansion tanks get sections or even chapters to themselves. There is a very good chapter that lays out about 10 different methods of designing the distribution system. Lots and lots of information and tips on tubing layout, as well as surveys of the different methods of putting the tubing down (thick slab, thin slab, dry on top, under the floor, etc) It's definitely in textbook format, and would probably be the type of book you'd use for a hydronic heating course at your local community college IF you could find such a course. Only a couple of nitpicks. --It's a pricey book. I passed over it until I found a $9 copy on the sale table. --my first edition is still talking about polybutylene tubing and tankless hot water heaters are not mentioned. I don't have a copy of the 2nd edition to compare. --given that PEX has become widespread for this type of application, more information on PEX would be appreciated.

Excellent resource for the professional hydronic designer!:
The newest addition to my hydronic heating library thoroughly covers a complicated subject. Perhaps best suited for the seasoned professional, given so much information; proper application could be a challenge. The design formulas are certainly here for the discerning professional. Well-done Mr. Siegenthaler! Morgan M. Audetat BadgerBoilerService.com

Great book for the technical-minded DIY'er:
I am a DIY'er with an engineering background and this book is great! It walks you through various systems and associated calculations. This book is assembled like a text book and comprehensive. It is not like a DIY brochure you'll find in your hardware store. This book covers everything you need to know to design and build a hydronic heating system and why you do what you do. As an engineer, I needed that level of explanation, however, some folks might not. In summary, I found the book to be absolutely invaluable in designing and building my hydronic baseboard/boiler system and I highly recommend it.

Excellent Text for anyone with some technical knowledge and practical experience:
I've found this text to be extremely helpful as I am planning and building a new shop with hydronic heating. It is very well written with excellent photos & illustration, Good technical detail with graphs and equations to enable the reader to create a design with confidence. Definitely a good investment for my library.