The main challenge with this project was floor space and ceiling height. The basement height did not meet the current 6’ 5” standards required for a rental below bulkheads including ductwork and beams. One option was to destroy the foundation and dig deeper to increase ceiling height in the basement. The project was on hold for months until we suggested a solution with a Hydronic system. These systems requires smaller ductwork and saved the owner around 40,000 to lower the foundation.

The 2nd problem after we chose the Hydronic system was where to put it. A system that requires 5 pumps, a boiler, room for 1.5” copper piping, hydraulic separator, expansion tank, and a 80 Gallon/300L indirect storage tank for hot water. A large room was not an option as it would take too much living space from the already small basement. As we laid everything out carefully, we were able to fit everything in a 3 foot by 5 foot space with shutoffs to allow for easy service in the future.