As a result, oxygen barrier tubing could prolong the life of the boiler. So would a steel boiler in a CLOSED configuration because that type of boiler is more vulnerable to oxidation than a cast iron boiler. However, radiant systems using higher water temperatures would probably benefit from oxygen barrier tubing. Polaris) as a heat source will suffer no negative effects from oxygen diffusion in any case. An OPEN system using a stainless steel water heater (i.e. Studies indicate that if water temperatures remain below 140 degrees, no significant amount of “oxygen diffusion” will occur.
Electric radiant floor heating cost to operate calculator windows#
The above mentioned sunroom, or great room with lots of windows are also good examples because, by nature, they have a different heat profile than the rest of the living space. Two or more rarely used guest bedrooms, an entire master suite, or a garage, would be examples of appropriate zones. It’s usually best to zone large sections of a given floor. Because radiant heat is so even throughout the entire heated space, the temperature tends to equilibrate regardless of zoning. It’s also undesirable, and a waste of money, to over-zone. So logically, the sunroom should be on its own zone. That means that trying to keep the sunroom at living room temperatures overnight will most likely overheat the rest of the living space. And by the same token, those same windows will cause a greater heat loss in the sunroom at night. You wouldn’t want a thermostat thirty feet away in the living room calling for heat in a zone that included the sunroom because the sunroom may already be twenty degrees warmer than the rest of the floor due to thermal gain from south facing windows. One example would be a great room with lots of windows, or a sunroom. However, if there are architectural or lifestyle reasons why one area of a given floor should be noticeably warmer or cooler than the rest of the floor, then multiple zoning is desirable. One zone shouldn’t heat two separate elevations, but in many cases, one zone per floor is the most cost effective and efficient design. Our experience has shown that minimum zoning is usually the best way to go. For more information on hardwood floors and radiant heat, as well as studies conducted with PEX tubing and its effect on hardwood, see this web site: Launstein Floors. Whether it’s Pergo, vinyl, or any type of laminated floor, the low water temperatures unique to properly designed radiant heating systems keep floor temperatures well within manufacturer’s specifications. The same is true for other floor coverings as well. It could also be argued that, because floor temperatures are kept more uniform during all the seasons of the year, the expansion and contraction of the hardwood is minimized and a more stable and long lasting floor is the result. In fact, many customers have noticed that sunlight striking the floor on a bright winter day will warm the hardwood more than the radiant system. Radiant Floor Company systems are designed for low water temperatures (125 degrees) and, as a result, floor temperatures will be approximately 5 degrees warmer than room temperature. Because floor temperatures often exceeded 85 degrees as the floor vainly attempted to match the high heat loss of a poorly insulated structure, the result was high, wasteful energy consumption and damage to the floor.
This excessive water temperature combined with a poorly insulated structure could cause warping or checking of hardwood floors. In years past, some companies used high temperature boilers to send 180 degree water through radiant tubing. These are only a few of the reasons why radiant heat has been used in Europe for over sixty years and will soon become the standard in America. Imagine stretching out on a cozy floor and reading the paper, working on a school project with the kids, doing yoga exercises. Imagine never again sitting on a cold sofa. Imagine stepping out of your morning shower onto a warm floor. In addition, the system is silent, has only one moving part, needs minimal maintenance, operates more efficiently than any other heating system while offering superior comfort, and if that isn’t enough, you can walk around in socks all winter! With traditional hydronic baseboard heating, the hot air flows up the wall creating a convective current that can actually draw in cold outside air.Īlso, with radiant heat, you feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, so your fuel bills will be lower…a major plus! The warmth starts at your feet where it is most desired instead of blowing out of ductwork and ending up on the ceiling. Unlike other heating methods, radiant heat doesn’t dry out the air. Because you’re heating more than just the room’s air, your living space maintains an even, satisfying warmth with no air currents, blowing dust, or cold spots. With radiant heat, every object in the room becomes warm and contributes to your overall comfort.
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