It is difficult to compare the benefits quantitatively between a forced air hydronic system and a forced air furnace. It is not an “apples to apples” comparison. However, looking at the systems side by side, the advantages of hydronic heat can be demonstrated.
Efficiency Through the Combination of Systems
Homes need hot water as well as warm air. Each system working independently has a measured efficiency factor, heat energy in vs. heat energy out. The efficiency of the furnace is fixed. But, the efficiency of a tanked hot water heater can be increased by increasing its use. Standing water creates the greatest heat loss in a tanked hot water system. The more that hot water is used, the less standing water is present and the less heat lost thereby increasing efficiency. A hydronic coil used to heat the air can provide this increased use. As well, efficiency is further increased as the water returning from the hydronic unit returns to the water heater at a higher temperature than tap water. So, if the hot water is used for heating the air as well, the efficiency is increased on all hot water usage.
Comfort and Quiet
Hydronic heat is more comfortable and quieter than forced air heat. Hydronic heat provides a lower temperature than typical furnaces (which is good). The lower temperature requires longer heating periods in the home reducing the needed fan speed and allowing for a quieter system. The goal being system operation without notice. As well, lower heat over a longer period creates consistent temperatures throughout the home with little variation from set point resulting in higher comfort.
Tankless Hydronic
A tankless water heater has various features that lend well to hydronic heating. First, it has no tank which eliminates heat loss from standing water. Second, its design is highly efficient. Models vary from 83% - 94% efficient which is much higher than standard tanked heaters. Third, tankless heaters have a modulating gas valve which opens only as far as demand is needed. It generates only the heat energy needed to hit set point. A tanked water heater opens at the maximum gas flow every time. For example, water returning from a hydronic heater will require a smaller temperature rise than water coming in from the tap. Therefore, the gas valve will open less using less energy to maintain set point. Fourth, tankless models are available that have two inputs and outputs with dual temperature control. This means that the ideal temperature can be maintained separately for the hydronic coil and the potable water.
In conclusion, a hydronic system, especially using a tankless water heater, provides efficiency for all home heating needs. Because of the increased efficiency in both air and water heating, it is very difficult to compare with standard tanked water heaters and forced air furnaces.
All this being said, if you would like to use a standard forced air furnace or heat pump system, there is much efficiency information available for these systems.
Here are some links for products we would like to suggest:
Dual Tankless Hot Water Heater: http://www.noritz.com/homeowners/products/view/nh_series_nh150_dv_nh_1501_dv_tankless_hydronic_boiler/
Single Tankless Hot Water Heater: http://www.noritz.com/homeowners/products/view/nrc111_n_0842mc_series_condensing_tankless_water_heater/
Air Handler: http://rheem.com/product.aspx?id=25F023FE-1E7B-4309-A224-E9A3C8324D04
A/C Condenser: http://rheem.com/product.aspx?id=9E4217A8-D549-42B9-BF9F-261B7D1DCB28
Or Heat Pump Condenser: http://rheem.com/product.aspx?id=59873EA3-6957-4B59-8DAD-1B4570C2E674
Hydronic Coil: http://firstco.com/products/hwc.asp
Please contact me at http://www.bonneyplumbing.com if I can offer additional information.
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