Radiant floor heat - what to do for A/C?

[ts_hunter]

I am considering radiant floor heat(hydronic) for heating a new house. My question is this: If you don't have a furnace and duct work for heat, what do you do for A/C? Do you still have to have some of the parts of a furnace to blow cold air around? Also, I currently have an April Aire system on my furnace, would I have to use stand alone humidifiers for humidity in the winter?

Any ideas/information appreciated.

[sparcebag]

AC can be piped to each room $$$$$ Portable humidifiers.Radient in Mn poses many problems unless designed while under construction.

[JohnMickish]

Is this new construction or a remodel? If it's new still put in a small gas furnace so you will have the ductwork for the A/C and still have a means to put some moisture back in the house in the winter and have a backup/quicker heat source if you want to bump the temp up in a hurry.

[Coach1310]

I could be wrong, but I thought all new homes with radiant heat had to have a backup heat source per MN Law. If so, it would probably be a forced air unit, therefore giving you the duct work need for AC. Like I said, I could be wrong. We have plenty of experts on here. I am sure you will get some solid info.

[WalleyePaul]

As far as I know, in MN you do not need a back-up heat source, however most power companies in MN will give you a discounted "duel-fuel" rate if you have an electric heat source and a gas heat source. I'm not an energy expert, but I don't believe you need to have a back-up source.

[WalleyePaul]

ts_hunter, do you have an email address that I can send you some information on a type of heating that might interest you?

[heavyduty]

I know a guy who has radiant heat and loves it the only thing he has noticed is the make up ability, he says on days like today when the temp drops alot quickly it takes a little while for it to catch up. He does not have a back up unit as far as I know.

[sparcebag]

No back up needed last house I redid I removed old oil furnace and replaced with radient sold in 2001,owner really likes the heat but the air was the problem.also radient does'nt burn the moisture out of the air as forced air with the complete air turn over.

[fishermatt]

If your Radiant heat is an electric boiler you will definitely want to apply for Off Peak rates, because that boiler will make your Elec. Meter spin like a top on cold days. Our Power company does require a fossil fuel backup when applying for Off-Peak, so if they shut your boiler circuit off you still have heat from the backup.

[papabear]

if you have hot water heat and it isnt anew house I suggest a mini spit. They are AC that mount on a wall inside the house and the compressor is outside. Also come as a heat pump so you can heat the house at 200-300% efficiency. My wife insists i put one in this spring. Also you can put one on each floor if want but may not be needed.