Q. So When installing ceramic tile, (ours is going to be porceline) is it best to put the heating system ounderneath? Do you really need it. I keep telling my parents to put it and they aren't sure we really need it. I told them how my friend had it in her sunroom and they ended up pulling it all out a few years after to re-do it with the heating system underneath. What do you guys think? Also who would be installing it? Do you get an electrition or does the ceramic floor installer do it? Thanks! I'm sorry I didnt word that correctly...my friend had ceramic in her sunroom without the heating system and they pulled all the ceramics out afew years after to re-do it with the heating system because they said it was too cold all the time..thats what im worried about..is it really cold all the time on the feet..I felt the ceramic tile we have piled ready to be installed and it doesn't feel too cold, what do you think?

A. I would think that in most climates it wouldn't be absolutely necessary to have floor heating if your house has an alternate source of heat. I don't have heat under my tile floors.They do stay cool but shoes or socks remedy that. Another thing to consider is the heating cost. We had marble floors in the home I grew up in and it was heated. The cost of heating the floor is very expensive. Like I said it just depends on the climate. If you live in a very cold climate you may want to go ahead and install it but otherwise it's really not necassary. God bless!!

Q. I am considering installing a heating system while designing a new house with some greener & cost efficient building materials. And I'm gathering info on people with some knowledge here before goggling on until my but is tired. Any help is dearly appreciated. Wikipedia... An Ondol, also called Gudeul, in Korean traditional architecture, is underfloor heating which utilizes direct heat transfer from wood smoke to the underside of a thick masonry floor. In modern usage it refers to any type of underfloor heating, or a hotel or sleeping room in Korean (as opposed to Western) style.

A. In ancient roman cultures it was called a hypocaust. It is not very efficient, it is labor intensive, slow to heat and harder to moderate temperatures. In essence, it is a relatively energy wasteful system compared to more easily moderated systems. The two biggest downsides to the system are that the rooms nearest the central fires will be the hottest and the other is that it usually required a gang of slaves to operate.

Q. Am ready to change out the existing hot water heater as it is 10 years old. I was told this Apollo system required a special hot water heater, looking at the existing it looks like any other one that I have seen. Looking for clarification & a possible installer.

A. If your speaking of the radiant heating system, you do need the special water heater. A regular water heater will not funtion properly and will void your warrenties.

Q. I asked this question once already, but I guess I didn't give enough info, so I am going to try this again. Bare with me because I honestly don't know anything about this, that is why I'm trying to get info on here. I am currently looking at buying a house that is heated with a boiler furnace. There are base board vents through out the house, and multiple thermostats to control the heating in the different "zones" of the house. I'm not sure if this also controls the hot water, or if there is a seperate hot water heater. My understanding is that there are lines that run along the base boards, hot water runs through them and some how heats the house?!?! Like I said, I really don't know, and I am just trying to get a better understanding of this system. ANY info on them would be much appriciated, such as cost to replace them, repair them, or service them. Common problems to watch out for, how they opperate, and if it would be better than a regular furnace. know to have it replaced with a regular furnace will cost some major money. And I also know that with this type of system, having central air installed will NEVER happen.

A. I can't tell from your description whether your system is hot water or steam. Usually, with baseboard radiators, it is hot water which means you do not have a "boiler", just a hot water furnace. It is heated by burning either natural gas or oil. The baseboard units "radiate" the heat carried by the water into the room. Each baseboard should have isolation valves and a small vent (operated by a key). You should bleed any air out of each radiator by opening the vent allowing any air to escape until water comes out of the vent. Start on the lower floors and work your way up to the upper floors of the house. Bleeding the air will maximize the efficiency. If you don't get water out, the system needs to have water added. Look for a supply valve near the heater. This heating system may or may not have a separate water heater for non-heating purposes (bath, laundry, kitchen etc.). Take a trip to your basement and get familiar with system. Get your gas or oil supplier or a plumber to walk you through the piping and valves.

Q. Ive recently moved house and got my first gas bill its shocking. Ive got a gas boiler for the water and heating (not a combi) which ive been using but ive also got an electric water heater. Anybody please help I need to reduce these bills!

A. Is the bill from an estimate or an actual reading? Check the final reading on the bill and compare it with the meter dial. Energy to heat the water is measured in kilowatts and electricity is generally more expensive. Gas and electricity have rocketed in price over the last 18 months-2 years,so we are all paying more. Making the heating system more efficient and keeping the t/stats turned down a notch will help as will a good lagging jacket on the tank and only heating the water when you need it. Has the boiler been serviced and the system been checked over since you moved in?

Q. I'm having 4 zones (from 1) installed in my house which has a mono flow heating system. Plus, he he installing a new boiler with indirect water heater. Other than the manufacturer's warranties on the equipment, how long should his zoning work be warrantied? Thanks.

A. Industry standard is one year.

Q. Would there be meldew on ducts if there was on vents? How to clean my ac system?

A. There are companies that can come out and clean your ductwork with special tools and a sanitizer solution. To purchase the tools yourself would be expensive for the occassional use of one home's needs. For a normal home, duct cleaning costs about $55 per each vent, plus $250 to clean the heating/AC unit. It sounds like you also need to install a dehumidifier/vapor control to your heating/cooling duct system to prevent reoccurrance of the mold and mildew.

Q. My Samsung split system air conditioner suddenly stopped heating after a power failure. It still cools etc. I have tried everything suggested in the manual. Any ideas or do I have to get a technician out.

A. If it's a newer unit the circuit board is probably bad, they cost around $100