HEATING

          This study reviewed two options for fuel sources; oil and propane and two heating systems; hot water based fin tube radiation and a hot air furnace.

        After reviewing the two heating system types we decided to recommend a propane hot water based fin tube radiation system – a central “heating plant” (mechanical room – with a two boilers in the basement mechanical room). See the enclosed floor plans and product “cut sheets”.

        Following is a description of the benefits of this system and our rational for our decision in the system selection.

Propane (LP) is a clean burning readily available fuel source. The LP underground tanks and piping are environmentally friendly and present no danger to ground water contamination. (See site plan drawing.)

A central boiler plant offers the lowest installed cost and reduced maintenance costs compared to a furnace system. A single boiler plant is much easier to maintain than 21 individual furnaces.

All major heating equipment which requires service will be located in the basement mechanical room which is isolated from the building occupants. (See mechanical basement plan – note: one boiler is shown – second unit maybe located side by side or in another part of the basement).

The hot water finned tube radiation system can be installed with the least impact to the building. Ducted furnaces would require extensive cutting and patching.

The hot water finned tube system offers superior indoor comfort compared to a hot air system.

Also: Propane fuel will offer the building Owner / operator an operational savings due to a conversion from electricity to a propane - approximately 20 % - 30 %.  The living / use pattern of these tenants occupying their units during the daylight hours; longer than the norm; hence creates further savings.  This system design can be further improved upon by the use of a digital control system hardwired to the boilers.

                 In closing a new heating system for this building not only makes sense environmentally and from an energy efficiency perspective – but also as a quality of life issue for the actual tenants living here.