ISBN0766816370

This is one fanatastic book for anyone that plans to own, owns or installs hydronic heating systems, including solar hot water systems. It is practical in that it covers readily avaiable products and various options for installing and operating hydonic systems. There is theory including practical algebraic equations for the technically inclined but are not necessary to benefit from the book. The book includes a comprehensive CD that allows anyone to size and evaluate heating systems. I do think there is any book comparable. Expensive but the knowledge one gains makes it worth it.

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.

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!

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.

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