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43 Years
experience
Hydronic Heating Design & Training Solutions
Founded in 1983, Appropriate Designs has established itself as a leader in hydronic heating system engineering and design. Our team of experienced professionals combines advanced engineering principles with innovative software development to deliver cutting-edge solutions for residential and commercial applications. With over 36 years of specialized expertise in hydronic heating, we have developed industry-standard design tools and training programs used by professionals across North America. Our commitment to thermal efficiency and comfort has driven the creation of advanced modeling methods that optimize system performance while reducing energy consumption. Through extensive research and practical application, we have pioneered integration of renewable energy sources with hydronic systems, enhancing sustainability without compromising comfort. Our educational initiatives have trained hundreds of professionals through seminars and publications, including the widely recognized textbook 'Modern Hydronic Heating.' We maintain rigorous quality standards through continuous improvement of our software tools, which are trusted by manufacturers for precise system sizing and selection.

Our work with geothermal heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and off-peak energy storage demonstrates our dedication to innovative, energy-efficient solutions. The company's founders, both licensed engineers with decades of academic and industry experience, ensure all offerings maintain the highest technical standards. Today, we focus exclusively on advancing hydronic technology through software development, technical publications, and specialized training programs that address evolving industry needs.
Services
Hydronic Heating Design Software Tools Training Seminars Technical Publications Online Design Tools
Details
  • Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
  • We offer 36+ years of specialized hydronic heating expertise
  • Our team develops industry-standard design software tools
  • We've conducted hundreds of professional training seminars
  • We integrate renewable energy with hydronic systems
  • Our solutions optimize energy efficiency and comfort
Services
Hydronic Heating Design
Our hydronic heating design services create customized solutions for residential and commercial buildings. We specialize in integrating renewable energy sources with modern hydronic technology to optimize thermal efficiency. Our engineering team develops advanced modeling methods that ensure precise system performance while reducing energy consumption.
Software Tools
We develop industry-leading software tools for hydronic system design and analysis. Our products include Heat Load Pro for accurate building heat load calculations and Hydronics Design Studio for comprehensive system design. These tools incorporate decades of engineering expertise and real-world application data.
Training Seminars
Our specialized training programs educate HVAC professionals on modern hydronic heating systems. With hundreds of seminars conducted across North America, our courses cover radiant panel heating, system design principles, and integration of renewable energy sources with hydronic technology.
Technical Publications
We produce authoritative publications including the textbook 'Modern Hydronic Heating' and 'Heating With Renewable Energy.' Our resources provide comprehensive technical knowledge on hydronic system design, installation, and optimization for residential and commercial applications.
Online Design Tools
Our HydroSketch platform offers browser-based tools for creating piping and electrical schematics. These digital solutions streamline the design process for HVAC professionals while maintaining technical accuracy and compatibility with industry-standard design practices.
People
John Siegenthaler
Principal Engineer
Mechanical engineer with 36+ years hydronic heating expertise. Developed industry-standard design methods and authored leading textbooks. Former engineering professor with extensive renewable energy systems experience.
Mario Restive
Lead Developer
Cornell engineering graduate with 30+ years industry experience. Holds 24 patents in product development. Co-developer of key hydronic design software tools used industry-wide.
Questions
What hydronic heating software tools do you offer?
We offer Heat Load Pro for building heat load calculations, Hydronics Design Studio for comprehensive system design, and HydroSYM schematic library for AutoCAD users.
Do you provide training on hydronic heating systems?
Yes, we offer specialized training seminars and online courses covering hydronic system design, radiant heating, and renewable energy integration for HVAC professionals.
How do hydronic systems improve energy efficiency?
Hydronic systems reduce air stratification, minimize heat loss through ceilings, and allow precise zoned temperature control, which collectively lower energy consumption compared to forced-air systems.
Can hydronic heating integrate with renewable energy sources?
Yes, our systems seamlessly integrate with solar thermal collectors, geothermal heat pumps, and wood-fired boilers to create hybrid heating solutions that maximize energy efficiency.
What publications are available for hydronic heating professionals?
We publish 'Modern Hydronic Heating' and 'Heating With Renewable Energy' textbooks, along with technical guides and training materials covering all aspects of hydronic system design.