#Radiant heating system crack
If you are using a hard surface, such as ceramic, stone or slate, you should have a crack isolation membrane applied by the flooring contractor to help prevent concrete cracks from transfering through to the surface. This will allow maximum BTU transfer to the surface with the lower temperature water.Īnother consideration with a radiant concrete slab is the floor coverings. If you are using a very low temperature heat source, such as a geothermal heat pump, then you should be using the mesh or re-rod method and pulling the grid to the center of the slab during the pour. Care should be taken to insure that the tubing is clear of any sharp edges to avoid damage. Tubing can be stapled to the foam board with plastic foam board staples or tied to re-rod or wire mesh. Expanded polystyrene “bead board” is to be avoided as it is susceptible to insect damage. Extruded polystyrene foam board with a 25 psi minimum compressive strength is typically used for floors. Heat comes off of the tubing in all directions, so proper insulation helps drive the heat up and into the conditioned space.
#Radiant heating system code
State energy code dictates the r-value of the under slab and edge insulation. A vapor barrier works to prevent the water from reaching the bottom of the slab. Ground water can wipe BTUs away from the heated slab.
#Radiant heating system install
Let’s look at the differences between a radiant concrete slab and a suspended floor.įor a radiant concrete slab, the first item we install is the vapor barrier. With a radiant heating system, you don’t have ductwork and therefore don’t lose any heat to cracks, leaks or insulated ductwork, making radiant heat a more efficient type of heating.When installing a radiant heating system, the type of floor you are using will determine the method used to install it. In fact, according to Energy Star, 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through a duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Ductwork tends to be inefficient because, over time, the heated air inside the ducts can be lost due to: Why are radiant heating systems more energy-efficient?Īs we mentioned above, forced-air systems heat your home’s air and then blow this heated air throughout your home via ducts. This means the cost to operate a radiant heating system is going to be less expensive month-to-month.
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Operating costs:Įven though radiant heating systems are much more expensive to install than forced-air systems are, they’re much more efficient than forced-air systems. Radiant heating typically ranges from $14,000-$48,000 depending on the type of system (electronic, air-heated, hydronic), whereas furnace installations usually cost $4,500-$9,000 and heat pumps range from $2,500-$10,000. Radiant heating is significantly more expensive to install than a forced-air system is. There are two major costs to consider when installing a new heating system: upfront cost and operating costs. Learn more about the heating services we offer or… We have a lot of experience helping Pittsburgh homeowners install and maintain their heating systems, and we’d be happy to provide you with expert recommendations as well. Want a professional’s opinion? We’ve got you covered.
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Other factors you should consider when making the choice between radiant or forced heating, include:īelow, we’ll go into each of these considerations in more detail, so that you can get a better idea of whether radiant heat or forced air is the best option for your Pittsburgh home.īut first, let’s take a look at how these systems work in the first place. However, radiant heating systems are much more expensive to install than forced-air systems, so if you’re like most Pittsburgh homeowners, a forced-air system will be the better option for your budget. A radiant heating system will provide more even heating and is more energy-efficient for your home. If the sky's the limit when it comes to your budget, we would suggest a radiant heating system. This is a hard question to answer, but here’s our advice: