Customer Reviews

Quick & Basic Hydronic Controls : A Contractor's Easy Guide to Hydronic Controls, Wiring, and Wiring Diagrams (Practice-Is-Good (P.I.G.) Technical Training Series)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This book is totally worthless if you are hoping to understand and design the control systems for radiant floor heating. I wish I could get my money back. The book description by the publisher and the Editorial Reviews are misleading at best. I wish there had been a buyer review at the time I placed my order with Amazon--I would have passed on this book. Avoid.

I was very disappointed in this book. It says right on the front cover that it's "A Contractor's easy guide to hydronic Controls, Wiring, and Wiring Diagrams". If a contractor needs to refer to this basic of information, I don't think I want them working in my house. I learned everthing in this book in High School. Don't waste your time unless you have no idea about how electricity works

This book is far too basic. Almost all of the book is
about very simple electrical concepts; the "hydronic
controls" portions are only examples of these general
concepts. I was greatly disappointed with the book --
most manufacturer's web sites have much better and
more understandable descriptions.

This book does not live up to its press. It is NOT a guide to Hydronic Controls.

It spends the first 61 pages (out of 83) reviewing really elementary wiring concepts in baby language (think of an electrical circuit as a rope, now imagine you're an insect crawling on the rope). The next 13 pages describe how a simple control panel works. Then there are only 8 pages devoted to real life control panels, with the admonishment that the controls are way complicated so just connect the wires and don't think about it.

I'm at the planning/design stage of building my own hydronic system. This book was absolutely no help. I had hoped for practical information on: valve and pump types and options; zone control options; integrating solar and gas power; whole house design options; water temperature options; so many questions, so little answers.

It has one star because I can't figure out how to give it no stars.

Cheers, Neil.

Update: Amazon were kind enough to refund my money. My opinion of the book still stands.

Book is very simplistic - seems like it's intended audience is for people who don't know which end of a screwdriver to use. Waste of money IMHO.

This book would make a good school book to show kids the basics of electrical circuits.
It unfortunately is based on obsolete technology for the hydronic controls and has no controls for heat pumps. It's based around boilers etc.

This book is good if you have basic hydronic knowledge and intend to implement systems. Not for the beginner.

I think this book is an excellent read for anyone who knows little to nothing about heating controls. It's written in a way that can be easily understood by someone with no knowledge of technical language.

I am a complete novice when it comes to hydronic controls. Basically, I'm an owner-builder who decided to install radiant heat. Since I know nothing about setting it up, I rely on elementary books and materials from the internet to gain knowledge.

Installing the PEX tubing in the slab was easy enough as was attaching the tubing to the underside of the second floor. I had intended to hire someone to finish the set-up but when finances became tight I decided to have a go at it.

I'm not done yet but this book has given me confidence to continue on.