From simple applications to multi-load systems, MODERN HYDRONIC HEATING, 4TH EDITION shows you how to use the latest design techniques and hardware to create hydronic heating systems that deliver comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency.
Available at many online booksellers such as:
After its release in 1994, the first edition of John Siegenthaler’s textbook - Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings - quickly established itself as a comprehensive technical publication for those who design and install hydronic heating systems.
Now, after three previous editions that span 28 years of technical development, the 4th edition of the book is ready to continue as the leading reference on hydronic system design and installation.
The 4th edition adds over 130 pages of state-of-the-art information developed to equip designers and installers for the present as well as the future of hydronics technology.
What’s new in the 4th Edition?
• Completely new chapter on hydronic cooling
• Numerous examples of simple, repeatable, and contemporary hydronic systems for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production.
• Many examples of heat pump technology as it applies to hydronics and global trends on beneficial electrification and decarbonization
• Expanded coverage of air-to-water heat pump systems - a rapidly growing market in North America
• Expanded coverage of cordwood gasification and pellet boiler systems
• New methods for sizing and applying panel radiators in low temperature systems
• New analytical methods for estimating heating loads
• New information on achieving and maintaining high water quality in systems
• Expanded discussion on sizing and application of heat exchangers
• New details for dirt and magnetic particle separation in hydronic systems
• Emphasis on the superior distribution efficiency of hydronic systems
• New methods for domestic water heating using hydronics technology
• Pros and cons of several buffer tank configurations
• Detailed coverage of heat metering and heat interface units
• Expanded symbol palettes for use in hydronic system schematics
• Expanded discussion of modern ECM-based circulators
Why is the 4th edition relevant?
The push for decarbonization of building energy systems, both in North America and globally, is one of the biggest opportunities the hydronics market has had over the last 40 years. There will be a steady transition away from fossil fuels and toward electrically-powered heating and cooling sources, and this will reshape traditional hydronic heating markets.
Modern hydronics technology holds several key advantages to leverage as the market reshapes.
1. The ability to do cooling by using a heat pump rather than a boiler is a game changer.
2. The ability to adapt to the changing energy markets without compromising comfort is a key advantage of hydronics over competing approaches.
3. The energy required to transfer heating and cooling energy through a building using water (hydronics) is often less than 10% of the energy required to move an equivalent amount of heating or cooling using forced air or through use of refrigerants, such as used with ductless heat pump systems or VRF systems
4. Using water as a heat transport material - rather than refrigerant - ensure compatibility with future heating and cooling source equipment.
5. Well-planned hydronic systems have very long service lives - they are not “throw away” technology as are many current appliances. The concepts of sustainability and resiliency are both supported through use of hydronics.
Who can benefit from the 4th edition?
• Plumbing and Heating contractors
• HVAC contractors
• HVAC mechanical engineers
• Architects
• Renewable energy professionals - especially those involved with solar PV systems
• Low energy home builders
• State energy office program managers
• Utility company customer representatives
• Energy auditors
• Energy Service Companies: “ESCOs”
• Non-profits involved with energy market transition to electricity
• Managers for workforce development programs
• Union training programs
Where can it be purchased?
Modern Hydronic Heating is available at many online booksellers such as
www.amazon.com ,
www.barnesandnoble.com
John, I've been following your articles in the Plumbing and Mechanical publications for a over a year. I am planning an eventual transition from forced-air gas heat to staple-up hydronic with some rooms possibly on a small hydronic air handler to avoid ripping open ceilings below them. I have 120 gallons of stratified hot water storage. I am looking for information on how to select an air-to-water monobloc heat pump that will allow me to optimally use day-time rooftop PV backed up by time-of-day grid electricity. I live in a cool coastal Pacific climate with no strong need for air conditioning and with winter outside air temperatures of 35 low to 60 high and summer of 45 low a…