The equipment just inside the building was all done by the plumber. An engineer was involved in the sprinkler system and that may have spec’d things about the water main connection, but it’s not like anyone else installed it.

After looking at the Wikipedia article on it, I still don’t understand how 2-pipe or 2-pipe reverse applies to a hot water based system. It seems to say that hot water systems are based on “water loops”. I’ve added the diagram into the blog post above – hopefully that will clarify things.

Our fireplace doesn’t throw all that much heat. It’s a little disappointing in that respect. There was a forced air kit available, but it’s not legal in the US (only in Canada).

And no, we don’t have a heat exchanger. It’s something I’ve wondered about. But we’re two people in 3,000 sq. ft. and Dan has a 10″ fan through the roof in his top floor studio that’s inevitably going to be a bit leaky. The renter may have more of an issue with fresh air. We’ll deal with it if it becomes an issue.

Let me know if you want to come by sometime…

Nope, no single pipe on hot water – either 2-pipe or 2-pipe reverse. Also, you will get a not insignificant radiant heat gain from your sealed-up fireplace.

I have been meaning to ask you, I never saw mechanical drawings on your place in my quick peek. Do you have any mechanical ventilation (especially, hopefully, with a heat exchanger on it)? You’ve sealed-up you place nice and tight, without some ventilation I’m concerned you may not have sufficient fresh air.

The place looks great. Keep the posts coming!

Peter

Here is a link that describes the connection. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/water_sewer/backflow.pdf The list seems to be for buildings that are retro-fitting, as I’ve been told any new connection in the city must have the backflow cross connection to protect the drinking water!

I do know the connection they put in went all the way to the main in the middle of the street, but I’m not sure if they used the original tap on the main, or made a new tap onto the main.

We’ll have a light issue since our bedrooms are south facing. But we haven’t figured out the window covering solution yet – you’re ahead of us on that one.

Are you moved in yet?

We have a supply and a return going up two corners of the building. The whole house is just “one zone” – so it goes off the boiler as one pipe that splits and goes to the two corners. Then the water circulates down the two returns and combine as they go back into the boiler.

You will sleep better at night if you’re fully sprinklered. They don’t cost that much…