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: 5/27/2008 Subject: radiant floor heating with gas and solar
Question im putting in a radiant floor heating system in my house. its a "open direct
system". i was thinking of using a hot water tank heated with solar to
preheat the water and a tankless heater to make up the temperature
difference for the domestic and in floor water. is this a good way to go and if
so could you recommend a tankless heater to use. if you would go a
different way let me know. i'm in canada and have been told i will have to
supplement the heat with another source also (eg forced air furnace).
Answer If an "open direct" system is a hydronic system which uses drinking water to heat the floors and then the shower, I am not with you. It isn't done because it is considered unsafe (see previous posts on this matter).
Before investing in solar you should consider a Mod/Con boiler. Your return on investment will be much faster. Please read my previous posts. If you still have questions, feel free.
