total HVAC plan - what would you do?

[dpkform]

Hi

We have totally gutted the interior of our 105 year old home in Toronto, Canada. EVERYTHING inside will be 100% new.

We have dependants with asthma issues. We want a whole home ventilation system for optimum indoor air quality. We'll be using closed cell spray foam insulation so the home will be fairly tight.

Our west facing backyard and neighbour's yards are jammed full of tall old trees. That minimizes our need for A/C, but we still need to manage humidity.


Option 1)

The simplest, and cheapest way to go it would seem, is a traditional low velocity forced air system.

As I understand it - the ductwork could handle not only the heating and air conditioning, but could also be used for whole home ventilation system?

Could the whole home ventilation system also manage humdity indepently of an AC unit?


Option 2)

We would LOVE to do hydronic heated floors throughout. Nothing beats radiant heat. Having large ductwork running everywhere is a PITA , and with our low basement ceiling - really impacts useable space in the basement.

How do you install whole home ventilation and humidity control without traditional large low velocity ductwork?

Can we use a split A/C system to save costs or would we need a mini-duct A/C system?

Could the mini-ducts themselves be used as the ductwork for a whole home ventilation system, and humidity management?



Many thanks,

Dave

[beenthere]

ERV's and HRV's don't control humidity.
A whole house dehumidifier will keep your humidity down, even on days when you don't need humidity.

Without seeing your house. Can't give you a recomendation as to what will work best for heating and cooling. You'll need a contractor to comeout and let you know what they can or can not do for your house.

As you said, radiant will provide the better comfort in heating.

[tomgeer]

Lennox G71 "V" with XC21 and Humidatrole.
backed with lennox Pure Air and A.A.humidafier.
Operated by Lennox's new Touch screen.

This system will dehumidify, humidify, cool, heat and purify air in your home.

Nice to know Dave's got your back

Check it all out.