With radiant floor heating, you may be able to set the thermostat several degrees lower, relative to other types of central heating systems. Radiant floor heating also eliminates the draft, dust, and allergen problems associated with forced-air heating systems.
#Radiant floor heating cost effective install#
Relatively expensive to install but can save money in the long run. The room heats from the bottom up, warming the feet and body first. Radiant floor systems allow even heating throughout the whole floor, not just in localized spots as with wood stoves, hot air systems, and other types of radiators.ĭoes not respond quickly to temperature settings. Advantages and Disadvantages of Radiant Floor Heating Systems Advantages and disadvantages of radiant floor heating systems Advantages Instructions: Click on the hot spots in the image below to find out how radiant heat systems are controlled. Since the price of copper tubing is considerably lower now than several years ago, it is again gaining some popularity because of its superior heat transfer abilities over plastic-based tubing.
Remember, this problem only concerns a specific brand of rubber tubing it does not have anything to do with the PEX tubing, which has performed very reliably for many decades. Tightening the connections and clamps only temporarily fixes the leaks. It is still not clear what causes this problem, but, theoretically, excessively high water temperatures may be to blame.
Leaks develop at the metal connections or fittings, and, in some cases, the tubing becomes rigid and brittle. Defective Tubing - There have been recent reports of problems with rubber tubing produced by one chemical manufacturer.Fluid additives also help protect the system from corrosion. These materials have proven themselves to be more reliable than the older choices in tubing. PEX or Rubber Tubing - Major manufacturers of hydronic radiant floor systems now use cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or rubber tubing with an oxygen diffusion barrier.Unless the builder coated the tubing with a protective compound, a chemical reaction between the metal and the concrete often led to corrosion of the tubing, and to eventual leaks. Copper or Steel Tubing - Older radiant floor systems used either copper or steel tubing embedded in the concrete floors.There are various types of tubing used in Radiant floor heating systems. Assuming his home uses radiant heat, help him select the most appropriate flooring option. is doing some remodeling and needs to purchase new flooring.
#Radiant floor heating cost effective manuals#
Most manufacturers and manuals relating to radiant floors offer guidelines to help you resolve these issues. While solid wood flooring can be used, the installer is strongly advised to be very familiar with radiant floor systems before attempting to install natural wood flooring over a radiant floor system. Most radiant floor references also recommend using laminated wood flooring instead of solid wood, thus reducing the possibility of the wood shrinking and cracking from the drying effects of the heat. If some rooms, but not all, will have a floor covering, then those rooms should have a separate tubing loop to make the system heat these spaces more efficiently, because the water flowing under the covered floor will need to be hotter to compensate for the floor covering. If carpeting is required, a thin carpet with dense padding is preferred. It is wise to always remember that anything that can insulate the floor also reduces or slows the heat entering the space from the floor system, which in turn increases fuel consumption. Common floor coverings like vinyl and linoleum sheet goods, carpeting, wood, or bare concrete are often specified. However, some perform better than others. Corrosion-free Hot-water Tubing Radiant Floor CoveringsĪlthough ceramic tile is the most common floor covering for radiant floor heating, almost any floor covering can be used.