Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 21, 1999 10:34am | #1

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   I'm using Wirsbo tubing and running the system off of a hot water heater. Here's some info on that: http://www.jlconline.com/jlc/archive/energy/water_heater_heat/index.html

   I prefer using mulitple pumps instead of multiple valves. Pumps only cost a little more than valves and can be sized for each loop. So a small loop only pulls 1/40 hp of electricity when it is on instead of using a 1/12 hp pump even if only one loop wants heat.

   Include a tempering valve in the loop so you can circulate as low a temperature as possible (less expansion/contraction).

   My costs for our 1600 square feet of heated area: $1000 for tubing, $500 for a direct-vent HWH, and about $1300 for pumps, pipes, fittings, insulaltion, manifolds, thermostats, tempering valve, circulating instant hot, towel warmer.

   -David

1. 
   Guest_ | May 21, 1999 11:40pm | #2

   *David, Have you had experience with Radiantec? They advertise they're cheaper because you can buy direct from them. I, too, would like to know about the other manufacturers, like Infloor, Heatway, Thermafloor if anyone has had experience with them. My local plumbing supply pushes Wirsbo, but they also push using a boiler or multiple water heaters. Thanks to the JLC article, this forum, and the tech support people at Radiantec, we decided we're just going with one water heater. Did you read Mongo's comments to my query last week about installing a hardwood floor over radiant heat? Have you tried his suggested method of just stapling the tubing under the subfloor without using the metal plates? (Using special staples provided by the manufacturer). Sounds reasonable to me and my builder and plumber, but I wonder about how effectivly the heat will be conducted without the plates (or through the gypcrete if we were above the subfloor). Mongo installs foil faced insulation in lieu of the plates, which definitely sounds like the way to go. Have you seen this type of installation? Sure would save a lot of $$$ not to buy those plates. Mongo lives in a considerably colder climate than mine, and he says this method is fine.

2. 
   Don_Papenburg | May 22, 1999 06:11pm | #3

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   Bought my tubing from Radiantec, like there systemof one SS water heater , small pumps in each zone. Farmtec in Iowa has tubing at 2 cents a foot cheaper but no teck. support or complete systems.

3. 
   Guest_ | May 24, 1999 11:33pm | #4

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   Don,

   What is Farmtec? Some sort of pipe supply place? I don't find them on the Web. Is there an 800 number?

4. 
   Don_Papenburg | May 25, 1999 05:05am | #5

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   Rufus, Try 1 800 327 6835 orfax 1 800 457 8887 THEY HAVE HARDWARE PLUMBING AND ELECTICAL SUPPLIES GEARED TOWARD AGRICULCURE

5. 
   James_Buttram | May 25, 1999 05:05am | #6

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   Does anyone have any info/advice about radient heating (using water.) What company did you use? Are you familiar with Heatway? What about cost?