Research
Radiant Floor Systems
One of American Ingenuity's Vermont dome owners, owns a company by the name of Radiant Floor Company which assists in the design of radiant heating systems.
www.radiantcompany.com
The following info came directly from their site:
- If you're a do-it-yourselfer looking for help designing a radiant heating system and it seems like nobody in the industry is willing to help you...then you've found the right company. If you've received quotes of 10, 20, and even $30,000(!) for a radiant heating system and are still recovering from the shock....relief is right here. Radiant floor heating is a proven technology. Our manifolds, pumps, and controllers are of the finest quality and will give you years of trouble free service.
U.S. Dept of Energy, Renewable Energy
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/bc2.html
The following came directly from their web site:
Types of Radiant Floor Heating
- There are three types of radiant floor heat: radiant air floors (air is the heat carrying medium); electric radiant floors; and hot water (hydronic) radiant floors. All three types can be further subdivided by the type of installation: those that make use of the large thermal mass of a concrete slab floor or lightweight concrete over a wooden subfloor (these are called "wet" installations); and those in which the installer "sandwiches" the radiant floor tubing between two layers of plywood or attaches the tubing under the finished or subfloor (dry installations).
- Because air cannot hold large amounts of heat, radiant air floors are not cost-effective in residential applications, and are seldom installed.
- Electric radiant floors are usually only cost-effective if your electric utility company offers time-of-use rates. Time-of-use rates allow you to "charge" the concrete floor with heat during off-peak hours (approximately 9 p.m. to 6 am). If the floor's thermal mass is large enough, the heat stored in it will keep the house comfortable for eight to ten hours, without any further electrical input. This saves a considerable number of energy dollars compared to heating at peak electric rates during the day.
- Hydronic (liquid) systems are the most popular and cost-effective systems for heating-dominated climates. They have been in extensive use in Europe for decades. Hydronic radiant floor systems pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern underneath the floor. The temperature in each room is controlled by regulating the flow of hot water through each tubing loop. This is done by a system of zoning valves or pumps and thermostats.
The Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is now located at http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
New URLs are as follows:
Your Home
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/
Heating and Cooling
http:/ /www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12300
Buying Clean Electricity
http://www.eere. energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10400
Making Clean Electricity
http://www.eere. energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10510
Your Vehicle
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_vehicle/
Information Resources
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/information_resources/
Industry Plant Managers and Engineers
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/industry/
Energy Savers Booklet site
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
Concrete Network.com
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/radiantfloorheating/
Provides an extensive listing of questions and answers relating to radiant floor heating.
Wirsbo
www.wirsbo.com
The following came directly from their web site:
- At Uponor Wirsbo we are committed to providing exceptional Life, Safety and Comfort Systems. Our quality Radiant Systems can deliver comfort and efficiency beyond compare. AQUAPEX® is a clean, quiet and healthy plumbing system for your home and AQUASAFE® combines our plumbing system with fire sprinklers giving you fire protection and peace of mind.
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