AboutMorgan M. Audetat Expertise Radiant floor heating. Snow Melting. Boilers. Indirect water heaters. Tankless water heaters. Current owner BadgerBoilerService.com Minneapolis based mechanical contractor specializing in Mod/Con based, integrated heating systems. System design, consulting and technical training world-wide.
Currently designing hot water based heating and snowmelting systems for spaces ranging from 50 to 50m square feet. Consulting fees start at $500.00US
Experience 30 years. Organizations: Charter Board Member - Radiant Panel Association, former manufacturer of the first American-made, wall-hung, sealed combustion condensing boilers, son and apprentice of mechanical & plumbing contractor.
Continuing Education: Uponor/Wirsbo advanced design school 2007, Power Limited License (low voltage controls) 40 CE credits 2005, B&G Little Red School House 1993, Tekmar Controls residential and commercial 1993, Division Manager and Advanced Hydronic Seminar Host for the first Hydronic Radiant Floor Distributor in the USA 1990, Hydronic Heating Association Workshop participant with Richard c. Bourne, PE spring 1988, Master Plumbing/Hydronic/Solar Course Red Rocks Community College 1987.
Education: B.S. University WI 1981, 26 yrs. continuing education.
Licensed CO, MN & WI. Home Inspection license WI exp.
Awards and Honors: Radiant Panel Association System Showcase Award 2008
My momma's favorite son.
Past/Present Clients: References upon request.
Expert: Morgan M. Audetat Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: $5000.00 Propane bill !! help
Question Location: Skanee, MI. (near L'Anse) Elevation: approx 1350ft Stage: recent purchase home built 1998, about 2000 SF, plus 1200 SF pole barn. Each have LP gas boilers with several zones, radiant in slabs. House has 2 bedrooms and bath on second story over garage (about 500 SF) with wall radiator panels. Heating bill last winter in excess of $5k. Gotta do something before winter! Thinking outdoor wood boiler w/ existing LP boiler backups. Help!! Thanks!
Can you recommend a close by competent radiant heating consultant/contractor to evaluate the existing system and perhaps a recommendation on conversion. We'll go broke soon otherwise.
Answer First find out the cost per therm for all available fuel sources e.g. wood, electric oil. I would also be interested in how these costs have changed over the last 10 years in your area. Since you have a hydronic system you may change your mind and go with an electric/LP or as you suggest a wood/LP.
You may save up to 25% by converting to a Mod/Con condensing boiler made for LP and great with radiant floors.
Start with the fuel cost and check my website for "How to choose a contractor".
If you find the fuel costs, get back to me for more help.
