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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Radiant Heating > Subject: Radiant Hysdronic

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John in the OCUser is Offline
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11/16/2007 9:50 AM  

We are considering our 1st project w/Radiant hydronic heating. A few questions to the sagely/&brave:
1.Is floating gypsum fiberglass the best option over existing concrete slab?
2. I understand the earth temp is a constant 55 degrees 8~10Ft down I am placing an artesian grey water/rain gutter collection well in the earth, would it also function to cool the house with radiant if I pumped through coils under the well? Has anyone did this or heard of someone else successfully doing? We are in a low humidity state, I understand you do not want to try this in High humidity.
3. Worst mistakes one could do with radiant? Zinc/metal vs. plastic goose necks on PEX? Companies to use/stay away from?

Thanks Guys!

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11/16/2007 1:51 PM  
Posted By John in the OC on 11/16/2007 9:50 AM
1.Is floating gypsum fiberglass the best option over existing concrete slab?

It's pretty good. For a lower cost option you could always use 2x 'sleepers'; run the tubing in between; cover with sand; and top with a new wood subfloor.
2. I understand the earth temp is a constant 55 degrees 8~10Ft down

Earth temps in the US range from around 42°(Colorado Mtns, and the NorthEast) to the mid 70's(Texas & Florida). So, it depends where you live.

....jc
If you're not building with OSB SIPS(or ICF's), why are you building?
NRT.RobUser is Offline
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11/16/2007 5:48 PM  
Sand is a poor radiant method. I do not recommend it in any situation because its performance can be very difficult to predict. Not that it can't work, just that it isn't great, and isn't predictable. Also, it gives bugs a really nice home from what I'm told. Now, if it's a basement, and you can keep the bugs out, then performance may not be a real issue. But you would want a thermal break to the slab below, at least.

gypcrete is a fine method. There are many others. Roth Panel, Sandwich Method installations, Warmboard, etc.

Radiant cooling requires watching the dew point carefully. Not many players are capable of it yet and it's not a "on the shelf solution" kind of thing yet either. But some people in some regions are doing it. Radiant ceilings work better than floors though, for cooling. Also, you want to keep your cooling load low (I'm told below 12 BTUs/sq ft in cooling load is required).

-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
NRTradiant.com
John in the OCUser is Offline
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11/17/2007 6:03 AM  
Thanks! RE: SIPs coupled with radiant. Would we be enhancing VOC's and worsening indoor poor air quality, or would this mean a need for an addtional recirc system to improve interior air quality running parell if we have radiant and a very tight SIP house??

John
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11/17/2007 10:33 AM  
Radiant has nothing to do with air quality unless you condense in cooling and make mold.

However, if you are building supertight, you must account for air quality control, definitely.

-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
NRTradiant.com
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