I Have A 70 Year old home with a weil mcClain Gold series 12 year old , I woul like to take out some radiators for new con stuctio and put in underfloor radiant heat and sugestions or no no,s Thanks
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Replies
You'll need to temper the feeds for the floor heat.
And probably separate this floor heat into a separate zone.
The floor heat needs to run at a much lower temp than the radiators. This can be accomplished by mixing return water (cooler) with the floor supplies. Zone separation can have their own pumps or use zone valves.
Or you can use a separate heat source. Sizing and access might help you decide the method.
I'm a radiant user, not a technician. Have you consulted with a radiant installer on this?
Suggestions
include:
Plan/decide what exactly you plan to do. Of specific importance is what floor covering do you wish to use, how will the IFH be installed/secured. Accomodate the difference in height (a typical installation including nominal 1/2" tubes will change height of the "decking" by 3/4". Make sure that staors, landings, thresholds, etc can be coordinated.
Understand how the boiler is currently piped and controlled.
Have a knowledgeable/experienced designer/installer help with the tubing layout and the specifics of the design. Knowing the details of construction is critical to selectiong the proper supply temperature and to a lesser degree, the tubing layout. Tubing imbedded in lightweight "gypcrete" under a rubber pad and carpet will require different supply temperature than tile over the same substrate.
Zoning and controls will depend on #2. Simplest controls will involve a 3-way mixing valve, a circulator pump and a thermostat.
Look into a "prepackaged" product that includes controls, pumps, controls panel/box, manifols, etc.
Keep the loops all close to same length.
Find a good local supplier and follow their recommendations. Don't go cheap or stupid. Stay out the box stores.
Hardwood flooring over infloor heat requires special consideration.
Stapling tubing underneath subflooring between joist is the least prefered method.