radiant heat

HYDRONIC RADIANT HEAT
Number one in popularity of radiant systems is hydronic radiant heat. Due to being less expensive than electric radiant to install and maintain for larger areas, hydronic is the choice for larger homes, offices and other larger applications.
ADVANTAGES OF HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING:
Now in demand - Home values are positively effected when radiant heat is a factor.
The reduction in heat loss can result in 10% to 30% energy savings.
Air quality is improved. No dust or blowing of allergens, viruses etc.
The tubing is removed from the area of movement hence there is not a safety issue as exists with radiators, grills or fireplaces.
The heating is done silently-the boiler can even be in a different building if desired.
Hydronic radiant systems are now versatile enough to install underneath almost any type of finish flooring. The older image of hydronic heating often involved thick concrete style slabs within which hydronic tubing existed. Today we utilize three main methods of delivering heat via radiant hydronic systems. These are known as “Slab on Grade”, “Thin Slab” and “Plate-Type”. All of these systems rely on warm water circulating through tubing. This water arrives in the tubing from a boiler and is then distributed to the zone requiring it. Cooled water returns to the boiler for reheating. New materials and installation techniques allow homeowners and contractors a wide choice of flooring materials.

CHOOSING FLOOR COVERINGS
Floor coverings play an important role in radiant system design and performance.
To varying degrees, all floor coverings act as an insulator restricting heat flow between the pipe and the effected room.
TILE / LINOLEUM
Tile and vinyl floors have low R-values and work exceptionally well with RFH systems. With vinyl in particular, contractors must take care to use high-quality adhesives. Low-quality adhesives can break down while sub-par vinyl can yellow during use with radiant systems.
CARPET
Carpeting with padding has the highest R-value of common floor coverings, and while systems can work well in carpeted areas, planning is essential. Further, thinner carpets and pads increase system efficiency. Many carpet and pad manufacturers now realize this and are beginning to offer low R-value carpet materials. To keep carpet within design tolerances special radiant rated pads should be used. The carpet needs to be checked for insulative value also. Wool carpet cannot normally be used.
HARDWOOD & COMPOSITE WOOD FLOORS
Hardwood floors work well if proper precautions are taken. retaining the wood's moisture is the primary concern. running water temperatures too high will prematurely dry the wood causing it to warp and crack. Wood floor surface temperatures are limited to 80 F for comfort and wood stability. This can still produce enough heat for almost all applications. Occasionally a radiator is added when there is a great deal of glass in a room.
Wood floor installers who are experienced will allow their wood to acclimate to the job site by spreading it out. They will test the substrate for moisture content if it is concrete or gyp-crete. They suggest wood not over 3 inches wide, possibly quarter sawn or engineered wood . Composite wood's tongue-in-groove construction results in a sturdier platform that resists shifting and can withstand greater heat and moisture fluctuations, making it ideally suited for radiant applications.

ELECTRIC RADIANT HEAT
Electric floor heating systems are ideal for heating smaller areas.
HOW ELECTRIC RADIANT HEAT WORKS
A thin electric mat installed in thinset cement or self-leveling concrete, controlled by a timer-thermostat with an in-floor sensor will cost $500-to-$600 for a small bathroom and it will operate on less than 10 cents a day of electricity.
These products are very like electric blankets. They are made of a heat resistance wire that covers a supporting material. They are safe, and extremely energy efficient. A low voltage conductive plastic is also available. It changes conductivity with heat and is self limiting, however it is also more expensive.
When properly installed these heating systems are a real boon to our daily comfort.
These products do not circulate hot air that carries bacteria and toxins. No moving parts and no maintenance.
They can be installed under tile, stone, vinyl, carpet, hardwood and laminate floors.
All these products are 1/8" thick and they can easily be embedded in thinset cement without elevating the floor much more than 1/8". All draw 8-to-15 watt / sq. ft
Different roll sizes offer flexibility. Once installed the product is hidden under the floor.
Even the thermostat can be hidden in a closet since it functions with a sensor in the floor and it does not measure the air temperature.
Products of equal watt/ sq. ft. will warm the floor to the same temperature and at the same speed.

HYDRONIC RADIANT HEAT Number one in popularity of radiant systems is hydronic radiant heat. Due to being less expensive than electric radiant to install and maintain for larger areas, hydronic is the choice for larger homes, offices and other larger applications. ADVANTAGES OF HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING: Now in demand - Home values are positively effected when radiant heat is a factor. The reduction in heat loss can result in 10% to 30% energy savings. Air quality is improved. No dust or blowing of allergens, viruses etc. The tubing is removed from the area of movement hence there is not a safety issue as exists with radiators, grills or fireplaces. The heating is done silently-the boiler can even be in a different building if desired. Hydronic radiant systems are now versatile enough to install underneath almost any type of finish flooring. The older image of hydronic heating often involved thick concrete style slabs within which hydronic tubing existed. Today we utilize three main methods of delivering heat via radiant hydronic systems. These are known as “Slab on Grade”, “Thin Slab” and “Plate-Type”. All of these systems rely on warm water circulating through tubing. This water arrives in the tubing from a boiler and is then distributed to the zone requiring it. Cooled water returns to the boiler for reheating. New materials and installation techniques allow homeowners and contractors a wide choice of flooring materials.	CHOOSING FLOOR COVERINGS Floor coverings play an important role in radiant system design and performance. To varying degrees, all floor coverings act as an insulator restricting heat flow between the pipe and the effected room. TILE / LINOLEUM Tile and vinyl floors have low R-values and work exceptionally well with RFH systems. With vinyl in particular, contractors must take care to use high-quality adhesives. Low-quality adhesives can break down while sub-par vinyl can yellow during use with radiant systems. CARPET Carpeting with padding has the highest R-value of common floor coverings, and while systems can work well in carpeted areas, planning is essential. Further, thinner carpets and pads increase system efficiency. Many carpet and pad manufacturers now realize this and are beginning to offer low R-value carpet materials. To keep carpet within design tolerances special radiant rated pads should be used. The carpet needs to be checked for insulative value also. Wool carpet cannot normally be used. HARDWOOD & COMPOSITE WOOD FLOORS Hardwood floors work well if proper precautions are taken. retaining the wood's moisture is the primary concern. running water temperatures too high will prematurely dry the wood causing it to warp and crack. Wood floor surface temperatures are limited to 80 F for comfort and wood stability. This can still produce enough heat for almost all applications. Occasionally a radiator is added when there is a great deal of glass in a room. Wood floor installers who are experienced will allow their wood to acclimate to the job site by spreading it out. They will test the substrate for moisture content if it is concrete or gyp-crete. They suggest wood not over 3 inches wide, possibly quarter sawn or engineered wood . Composite wood's tongue-in-groove construction results in a sturdier platform that resists shifting and can withstand greater heat and moisture fluctuations, making it ideally suited for radiant applications.	ELECTRIC RADIANT HEAT Electric floor heating systems are ideal for heating smaller areas. HOW ELECTRIC RADIANT HEAT WORKS A thin electric mat installed in thinset cement or self-leveling concrete, controlled by a timer-thermostat with an in-floor sensor will cost $500-to-$600 for a small bathroom and it will operate on less than 10 cents a day of electricity. These products are very like electric blankets. They are made of a heat resistance wire that covers a supporting material. They are safe, and extremely energy efficient. A low voltage conductive plastic is also available. It changes conductivity with heat and is self limiting, however it is also more expensive. When properly installed these heating systems are a real boon to our daily comfort. These products do not circulate hot air that carries bacteria and toxins. No moving parts and no maintenance. They can be installed under tile, stone, vinyl, carpet, hardwood and laminate floors. All these products are 1/8" thick and they can easily be embedded in thinset cement without elevating the floor much more than 1/8". All draw 8-to-15 watt / sq. ft Different roll sizes offer flexibility. Once installed the product is hidden under the floor. Even the thermostat can be hidden in a closet since it functions with a sensor in the floor and it does not measure the air temperature. Products of equal watt/ sq. ft. will warm the floor to the same temperature and at the same speed.
	Summary of hydronic and electric
SEATTLE RADIANT