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About Morgan M. Audetat
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Radiant floor heating. Snow Melting. Boilers. Indirect water heaters. Tankless water heaters. Current owner BadgerBoilerService.com Minneapolis based mechanical contractor specializing in Mod/Con based, integrated heating systems. System design, consulting and technical training world-wide. Currently designing hot water based heating and snowmelting systems for spaces ranging from 50 to 50m square feet. Consulting fees start at $500.00US

Experience
30 years. Organizations: Charter Board Member - Radiant Panel Association, former manufacturer of the first American-made wall-hung, sealed combustion condensing boilers, son and apprentice of mechanical & plumbing contractor. Continuing Education: Uponor/Wirsbo advanced design school 2007, Power Limited License (low voltage controls) 40 CE credits 2005, B&G Little Red School House 1993, Tekmar Controls residential and commercial 1993, Division Manager and Advanced Hydronic Seminar Host for the first Hydronic Radiant Floor Distributor in the USA 1990, Hydronic Heating Association Workshop participant with Richard c. Bourne, PE spring 1988, Master Plumbing/Hydronic/Solar Course Red Rocks Community College 1987. Education: B.S. University WI 1981, 26 yrs. continuing education. Licensed CO, MN & WI. Home Inspection license WI exp. Awards and Honors: My momma's favorite son. Past/Present Clients: References upon request.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Radiant Floor Heating

Questions Answered By Expert Morgan M. Audetat
In Category Radiant Floor Heating

Subject	Date Asked

Wood floors of radiant floor	8/27/2008
Q: I have radiant floor heating throughout my entire house and i was looking into laminate wood ... A: This is a question best queried to your designer. Natural, laminated and engineered wood floors ...
On demand water heater vs boiler efficiency	8/27/2008
Q: I can purchase an on demand water heater (gas) for about $700 vs a boiler for about $3000. We have ... A: Most tank-less water heaters are NOT high efficiency and NOT made for space heating. I have ...
Radiant floor heat over existing slab - walkout	8/24/2008
Q: I've just bought a 1970 vintage 2-floor daylight ranch (walkout basement) in Portland, OR. at ... A: The answer is both. The soil below the slab can be a heat sink and an insulator depending on the ...
Radiant Tubing Noises	8/21/2008
Q: I live in Searsmont, Maine, about 400' elevation. I am doing new construction and plan on using ... A: Extruded aluminum plates move less and transfers heat better. Watts Radiant has been making a rubber ...
Tankless hot water for radiant floor.	8/20/2008
Q: I currently have a 1800sf concrete floor radiant heat system consisting of 2000 ft of PEX, Taco ... A: "Tankless" water heaters as you refer to them (With the notable exceptions of Navien and a model ...
Radiant floor vs, Fin-tube baseboard?	8/19/2008
Q: Which is a better and/or more efficient hot water heating system, under foor (tack on) heating or ... A: Start with a heat load analysis. This should be done by an experienced professional, more especially ...
Electric Water Heater for Radiant Floors	8/12/2008
Q: I am building a new house and on a really tight budget. We are opting not to do the basement with ... A: Where electric heat is concerned things are critical; first, that the source be able to produce ...
Enclosing a hot water heater	8/8/2008
Q: I am trying to finish my basement. I had the furnace replaced but since it is near the only outside ... A: Combustion air is a critical safety factor for conventional atmospheric water heaters, boilers and ...
black poly pipe heat tolerance	8/6/2008
Q: I have black poly under my floor, about 1 foot below surface. It has been there 25 years. This heats ... A: The upper limit temperature for HDPE pressure service is 140°F. The design water temperature for the ...
Radiant with electric boiler	8/6/2008
Q: I have a client who is remodeling her houseboat. She would like to have radiant heating, however her ... A: Guessing on your heat load (which I never do in real life) the EMB-W-9 Mini-Boiler from Electro ...
Removing Cast Iron Radiators	7/31/2008
Q: Iam remodeling my bathroom and wish to remove the old cast iron radiator because Iam splitting the ... A: Even though cast iron radiators are now over 100 years old, they are seldom succeeded by better more ...
Radiant floor heating - floor sensor control	7/28/2008
Q: I have a new in-slab Wirsbo system in northern Minnesota using an electric off-peak boiler. The ... A: No. I typically design a system such as you describe with a two-stage thermostat. The first ...
Adding anti-freeze to boiler for snowbirds	7/26/2008
Q: The rec room is 12 x 40, built in Pennsylvania in 1950. The water is heated by oil fired hot water ... A: Antifreeze may insure the heating system will not freeze (if is professionally maintained) but it ...
tankless water heaters for radiant/domestic	7/26/2008
Q: New London, CT. , sea level, stage one of project We need to replace our old gas boiler and are ... A: Tankless water heaters were not designed to heat space. They lack the control system to optimize ...
Tankless water heater for radiant floor heating	7/24/2008
Q: I am working on a new construction project. 2500 sq ft home in Connecticut. 3BD 2.5BA. This will ... A: Potable water is a technical term for "safe to drink". Plumbers like myself are trained to go to ...
radiant floor heat under wood floor?	7/23/2008
Q: I have framed in my one floor 650 square foot addition to a 100+ year old house on a 3 ft ... A: Starting with a proper heat load analysis, one can determine the required design water temperature ...
Tankless water heater for radiant floor heating	7/22/2008
Q: I am working on a new construction project. 2500 sq ft home in Connecticut. 3BD 2.5BA. This will ... A: Most distributors/retailers have a limited product line from which to choose. Fortunately you and I ...
Buying Mod/Cons direct...find an installer?	7/22/2008
Q: My home boiler (Telydyne) is 85% efficient (less 7000 NM altitude) and ten years old. I'm looking ... A: Unfortunately I do not know the cost of doing business in every locale. The practice of buying your ...
mod-con boiler upgrade w. DHW	7/21/2008
Q: My home boiler (Telydyne) is 85% efficient (less 7000 NM altitude) and ten years old. I'm looking ... A: ModCon boilers are a perfect match for Solar assisted heating systems. They are as Green as fossil ...
Have a 25-yr old Peerless w. tankless coil	7/19/2008
Q: Brunswick, Maine, 50 ft, designing. We have read the forum, but have a simple question. Will we ... A: A tankless coil is one of the worst ways to make domestic hot water and has been obsolete for some ...
sizing PEX tubing for residential heating	7/17/2008
Q: Morgan. Thank you in advance for your expert opinion. We are building a new house in Buffalo, ... A: 1/2" PEX will heat practically any home made today in loops 300' long or less. Design help is ...
in-floor heat & elec. tankless water heaters	7/17/2008
Q: Morgan. Thank you in advance for your expert opinion. We are building a new house in Buffalo, ... A: "Cost unknown at this time." Pretty much sums up my feelings about electricity for heating. At the ...
Radiant heating and carpet	7/17/2008
Q: We are moving into a home which was built in the 1940's. The home uses radiant heating (oil not ... A: Carpet can be installed over most radiant floor systems. However, care must be taken as it always ...
Taking out old cast iron radiators	7/16/2008
Q: My client has a radiator along the rear wall of his house which happens to be where we'd like to ... A: Neither have I! Many people want to get rid of their old cast iron radiators, thinking them ugly or ...
in-floor heat and tankless water	7/16/2008
Q: Morgan. Thank you in advance for your expert opinion. We are building a new house in Buffalo, ... A: We should start with the cost of fuel. What is available and what is the cost and projected cost of ...
Wood boiler for radiant, indirect and hi-velocity	7/14/2008
Q: I am building a 2 storey (no basement) and am going to heat with wood due to the fact that I now ... A: All of my wood boiler systems include positive back up systems i.e. gas, oil or electric. Water tank ...
50 year old radiant floor.	7/12/2008
Q: I'm looking for a hydronic heating expert in Chicago to inspect a 50+ year old in-floor system. Is ... A: This question comes up regularly and the answer is always the same. No one knows. Or as they say in ...
Hydonika® or what?	7/11/2008
Q: Morgan, Is there a particular heating & or cooling unit you prefer for infloor heating and radiatn ... A: As the Hydronika® website suggests this is a common commercial application and this obviously a very ...
placement of radiant floor circulators	6/30/2008
Q: I would like to know the best location for the circulator in a radiant sytem (located on second ... A: Infloor® use to make an integrated pump and manifold. (In fact it was one of the first modern ...
Uninsulated slab radiant heat - retrofit	6/29/2008
Q: Well, Morgan, it looks like I just made a very costly mistake. I just bought a tiny 440 sq ft house ... A: I insulate four feet down, out or in with 2" closed cell polystyrene: this to fight the frost. I ...
Cost of heating with Wirsbo/Uponor	6/2/2008
Q: Is there any way to determine how much it cost to heat a house with wirsbro heat? Last year we used ... A: Wirsbo (now Uponor) is the manufacturer of radiant floor tubing. The installation of radiant floor ...
Bathroom Warm Floor Radiant	5/28/2008
Q: I'm a DIY-er remodelling a house and would like to add warm water radiant floors to my bathrooms. ... A: Sorry, I jumped to a conclusion. I am glad you sought help though I can't fully understand the ...
Incorrect sized pex piping	5/27/2008
Q: 8 years ago, radiant heating system installed in our home. We heat 95% with wood. Last couple of ... A: Glycol bad, water good. A system with glycol produces less heat and costs more to operate. I only ...
radiant floor heating with gas and solar	5/27/2008
Q: im putting in a radiant floor heating system in my house. its a "open direct system". i was ... A: If an "open direct" system is a hydronic system which uses drinking water to heat the floors and ...
subfloor radiant heating	5/20/2008
Q: I am writing today because I seek advice about heating my home with subfloor radiant heating. My ... A: Staple up or sub-floor radiant heating is one of the most challenging of all. First, it must be on ...
boiler with indirect water heater ?	5/16/2008
Q: We live in Colorado and do not need our radiant heat during the summer but currently have a boiler ... A: Indirect water heaters are the best water heater available when coupled with a boiler. If your ...
Old copper radiant floor leaking	5/16/2008
Q: Reading through them has been great, and our situation is a bit different from the ones I've read so ... A: Panel radiators are the next best thing. I have retrofitted a few older homes and designed many for ...
radiant over existing slab	5/15/2008
Q: I would like to install hydronic heating in my finished basement. I have 9 foot ceilings. 1 - Does ... A: The answer is; it depends. It would be great to take up all the cement, insulate, staple tube down ...
*Cast iron boilers vs. Mod/Con boilers*	5/15/2008
Q: I'm researching new heating options for my 1901, 2200 SF house (cast iron radiators) in northern MN. ... A: Mod/Con boilers are the most efficient LTW boilers available today! Let me take a moment to ...
tube layout under cabinets?	5/13/2008
Q: With hydronic heating should we avoid putting the tubing under kitchen counters, islands, food ... A: Cooling down the hydronic fluid is called heating the space. Occasionally opening a cabinet on an ...
tube layout under cabinets?	5/12/2008
Q: With hydronic heating should we avoid putting the tubing under kitchen counters, islands, food ... A: The official answer is yes. We generally do not tube under areas over which we will not walk or ...
Advice - Tankless Water Heaters	5/9/2008
Q: I finally decided to replace the water heater I have with a tankless one. After some research, I ... A: Tankless water heaters are THE thing in much of Asia and Europe. The Japanese and Koreans have phone ...
$5000.00 Propane bill !! help	5/8/2008
Q: Location: Skanee, MI. (near L'Anse) Elevation: approx 1350ft Stage: recent purchase home built ... A: First find out the cost per therm for all available fuel sources e.g. wood, electric oil. I would ...
Pex Repair	5/7/2008
Q: My carpenter accidentally put a nail through the Pex tubing while installing wood flooring over a ... A: Repairing PEX tubing leaks is usually fast and easy. Ask the manufacturer for a repair coupling, cut ...
Radiant Heating (wall vs. floor)	5/6/2008
Q: I just put in a very lengthy question and when I clicked on "check spelling" the entire entry ... A: Radiating any surface in a home will add to winter time comfort. However, most people feel more ...
All radiant or nothing?	4/25/2008
Q: Does the whole house need to have radiant flooring, or is it possible to do a complete lower level ... A: You may radiate one room with one radiator or radiant floor and heat the rest or your home with a ...
Radiant heating-PEX in middle or bottom of slab	4/25/2008
Q: I'm in the process of constructing a new 1800 sq ft log home in central Wisconsin. It will have ... A: "Would attaching to the insulation result in a noticeable difference?" Generally speaking; no. ...
Solar heat with radiant floor system	4/23/2008
Q: I have radiant in floor heat. I want to use solar panels to heat the water for my system. Can it ... A: Solar can be a great heat source for radiant panels be they floor wall or ceiling. In Northern ...
Electric Radiant Floor Heat DIY re-design	4/22/2008
Q: I'm looking to install electric radiant heating wires in our rehabbed bathroom and would like to ... A: The layperson should ALWAYS read, understand and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions ...
Ticking radiant floors	4/20/2008
Q: Were you able to solve your problem? I just moved into a newly built house and have the same ... A: In the early days of Modern Radiant Floors we were told to staple tube up tight to the floor to ...
radiant floor heat, AND heat strips in A/C air handler... needed?	4/18/2008
Q: ground will be broken in a month or so on our new home... I'm reviewing bids on the HVAC bids. All ... A: Many contractors still don't trust radiant floor to heat a home and prefer to include up to 100% ...
Oil conversion	4/13/2008
Q: We have a 1908 3(3rd is attic) story home that is curently heated with forced air oil fired furnace ... A: Gas burns cleaner and requires less qualified service, less often. But heating the house from the ...
Tankless water heaters and Radiant Floors	4/5/2008
Q: I'm building a new 1800sq ft home in Waldport, Oregon and I'm wondering if a Rinnai tankless water ... A: This is a common though questionable application. I design many systems using various conventional ...
electrical floor boxes in Gypcrete	4/3/2008
Q: I am wiring a home that will have 2" of gypcrete poured for the hydronic floor heat. The homeowner ... A: I use a plastic box to resist the initial moisture introduced with a Gypcrete pour. Weather-proof ...
Heat pumps and radiant floor heating	3/28/2008
Q: Have you ever heard of using a heat pump to run a radiant floor heating system? I was told it was ... A: Perfect! I specify and design many systems with "hydronic heat pumps". Where cooling is a longer ...
Potable and water heating together...NO	3/24/2008
Q: I am an absolute neophyte to hydronic systems. I recently purchased a home in the mountains of Utah ... A: Potable water heater for space heating and domestic water heating is not an accepted ...
warmboard vs gypcrete	3/20/2008
Q: I am about to break ground on a 3300 sq ft, one story house and am stuck deciding between Warmboard ... A: I just finished a design in Steamboat. It is surprisingly close to the design criteria we use here ...
Tube Spacing Between Floor Joist	3/19/2008
Q: I am planning to have under floor joist heating; my contractor is planning to have the spacing ... A: Tube spacing is determined first by an accurate heat loss analysis. 24" spacing is uncommon in all ...
Off Peak Electric Hydronic Heating	3/13/2008
Q: I want to store heat in one 80 gallon water heater and one 163 gallon storage tank connected in ... A: As you have gathered, "off-peak" is a tricky business. My experience has been mixed on the concept ...
domestic hot water PLUS radiant floor htg	3/11/2008
Q: I hope you can put me out of my radiant misery... i am building a 934sf 3 story beach house in ... A: The answer is... CombiCor! I love a simple, reliable and safe INTEGRATED heating system. It saves ...
insulation board gap on Badgerboilerservice.com	3/7/2008
Q: Mr Audetat, I am a custom builder in North Carolina who has just read nearly every posting you have ... A: The insulation gap was political. I did not sign off on it, but as the floor is 8 feet below grade ...
Carpet and Padding for Radiant Floor Heating	3/5/2008
Q: I understand to look for the lowest R-Value but besides that, what is the best type of carpet and ... A: That is a long list, but the short answer is to stay away from wool carpeting and be especially ...
Scorched air vs. Radiant Comfort	3/5/2008
Q: We are in the process of building a new home. I am interested in high efficiency heating/cooling ... A: Of course its worth it! Don't you deserve to be comfortable? For less than you will spend on a new ...
Electric vs. Gas..........AGAIN	3/2/2008
Q: I have a air to water exterior reversable heat pump that I need to replace with something else.My ... A: Please contact for fuel providers. They are experts and will do the math for you. If you have ...
electric radiant high heat bill	2/25/2008
Q: I have a brand new radiant system in a 18 ft by 22 ft workshop in Frigid Minnesota. I am using a ... A: I live in work in Minnesota. Our local electricity is about 8 cents per kW. or 3 times the cost of ...
Radiant floor set-back.	2/25/2008
Q: I've just built a new house. Winter house, in the snow, ~ 7000 ft, 3 stories, ~3500 sq. ... A: If you want to set back a vacation home for instance, you must plan ahead. That is, call ahead and ...
radian heat source	2/24/2008
Q: we're remodeling a 3thousand sq ft. home in the ny, ny area. I am planning on installing radiant ... A: There are Mod/Cons made to heat any space. Both boilers are fine. You will need an indirect water ...
use anti-freeze in pipes vs draining system and disconnect one or two pipes	2/19/2008
Q: Our home was built in 1950 and has radiant heat in the floor/ceilings of the basement, first and ... A: Anti-freeze makes any hydronic system use more fuel and electricity for the same work done. Great ...
Radiant Floor Conduction Panels	2/18/2008
Q: Please compare performance of the various panels in terms of quick warm up, noise and back heat ... A: Extruded aluminum plates enhance the output of radiant floor tubing by raising the average surface ...
radiant -- boiler vs. water heater	2/18/2008
Q: I have a new free standing garden structure that is almost all glass with an insulated wood roof. It ... A: I believe Bradford White and Rheem both make a 40/40 PV water heater vented with 2" PVC. ...
radiant -- boiler vs. water heater	2/17/2008
Q: I have a new free standing garden structure that is almost all glass with an insulated wood roof. It ... A: Radiant floor heating would be perfect for the application you describe. Given the modest size and ...
a Primer on Glycol as it works in radiant heating	2/17/2008
Q: I am urgently interested in knowing everything there is to know about the manner in which propylene ... A: Your question is too incomplete and obscure to give you a technical answer. You are looking for a ...
1951 black pipe radiant heat North East	2/17/2008
Q: I'm ready to purchase a house built in 1951 with a concrete slab & radiant heat. The boiler is about ... A: The first thing to know about hydronic system pressure is that we use it to raise the system water ...
Radiant Floor Conduction Panels	2/15/2008
Q: Please compare performance of the various panels in terms of quick warm up, noise and back heat ... A: The proper heat-load analysis determines the type of radiant heat needed in a given room. Nothing, I ...
Radiant floor over concrete	2/15/2008
Q: Sorry for the same question that many others have asked, but I could seem to locate threads to ... A: Attach tube to slab and cover with 1 1/4" inch Gypcrete or 2" concrete. Use standard 40 gallon ...
Radient floor heat	2/14/2008
Q: Two questions. Why do you say antifreeze in a system should not be used in liveable space? What kind ... A: If people live in a building, there is no need to protect the heating system from freezing any more ...
Leak in copper pipe in slab radiant heat	2/14/2008
Q: We have a copper pipes embedded in a cement slab radiant heating system built in 1953 (by a student ... A: I have consulted on many of Frank Lloyd Wright inspired homes. Some are still going strong, but ...
Pressure in radiant floor loop	2/14/2008
Q: I've got a new PEX in basement slap system running off my existing boiler. Have a air blatter ... A: Air elimination is the single most important aspect of any hydronic design: perhaps after heat-load ...
light weight concrete vs. gypcrete?	2/12/2008
Q: I am adding 1400 sq.ft to a house that will be heated hydronicly. The down stairs is 650sq.ft. and ... A: This is a very thin application for concrete. If you are covering with tile you must have a ...
Radiant - hydronic heat	2/12/2008
Q: We recently purchased an older house with hydronic baseboard heat throughout. My question is based ... A: Many hot water heating systems suffer from entrained air. This can easily double the fuel bill and ...
slab on grade	2/8/2008
Q: we would do an insulated slab on grade for an art studio. I can do the tubing installation, but am ... A: There are several accepted ways by which one can properly insulate the perimeter. Construction type ...
Radiant Floor Heater	2/7/2008
Q: We have just finished building a very well insulated 40x50 pole barn, with pex tubing through out ... A: When it comes to electric, solid fuel and gas-fired appliances it does not pay to be creative. In ...
Radiant Floor Heat & Insulation	2/5/2008
Q: I would like to have Watts' Onix system installed beneath the main floor of a 1966 cantilevered ... A: Watts radiant has spent much time and money learning and training others to do staple up right. ...
Laminate Flooring	2/4/2008
Q: I am trying to choose a laminate floor product. Does it matter on thickness of the wood? A: Every thing between you and the tubing resists heat. This is not always a bad thing, but generally ...
Radiant System Needed!	2/3/2008
Q: Sir, I am building in a small town in a high desert environ w/short chilly winters. House on a crawl ... A: Staple up is the most challenging radiant floor system to design and install. I design systems for ...
convert from HW baseboard to radiant underfloor	2/2/2008
Q: I have a 10 year old boiler that makes domestic HW and HW for baseboards. Can I convert one or two ... A: If your boiler and room meet certain criteria. You will have to zone the room, consider heat loss, ...
Heat Emission Plates	2/1/2008
Q: 1. What is your input concerning heat emission plates? Do they really make a difference in heat ... A: Aluminum emission plate spread the heat generated by a PEX tube full of warm water, the surface ...
polybutylene pipe in hydroponic infloor heat	1/30/2008
Q: I found you in Google. My son is buying a home in a small mountain town in Co.(lots of snow there ... A: Oxygen barriers protect ferrous piping components in hydronic heating systems from oxygen that will ...
New construction Steffes hydronic/forced air ?	1/30/2008
Q: I am building this summer, and it will be a 2 story log home(1600SF) main level and basement. Upper ... A: BEWARE! Your local electric company decides what "off-peak" is and what it is going to cost. Get the ...
Tankless boilers/ radiant floor heating	1/29/2008
Q: I am building a new house with hydronic infloor (in slab) heating. Does it make sense to use ... A: The typical pool heater is low efficiency and over-sized. If you invest in a 98 percent efficient ...
Hot Water Tank vs. Boiler for Radiant Heat Source	1/29/2008
Q: Morgan, It seems that there is much interest in (just) using a propane hot water tank (for domestic ... A: If is a MYTH that boilers should not be used to heat hot water or that we don't want them to run in ...
Heat exchanger for indirect system	1/29/2008
Q: I am currently having a radiant heat system installed by a reputable contractor in Portland OR. I ... A: Taco's Mixing Block is a water tempering devise commonly used for low temperature radiant floor ...
Radiant Floor Heating Not Working Efficiently	1/28/2008
Q: Our house was built in '05, with in floor radiant heat used for the upstairs (1700 sq ft, closed ... A: If the room below the floor is heated, R13 insulation below the tube is in order, leaving an air gap ...
Radiant Floor Heat Usage	1/28/2008
Q: My elderly parents recently purchased a home with radiant floor heat. The heating system that they ... A: Slab on grade systems are more difficult to set back and require special control design. Call your ...
Problem with radiant heat	1/26/2008
Q: We have a 1 1/2 year old home and live in northern Ohio. We have radiant heat in the floor joists ... A: Your problem is clearly a matter of heat loss and heat output. You have to address one or both. The ...
Radiant Heat NOISE with underfloor PEX and transfer plates	1/25/2008
Q: we've had an underfloor retro fit radiant heat installation done with PEX tubing through aluminum ... A: This is a common but completely preventable problem. I only use extruded aluminum heat transfer ...
Onyx or Pex for longevity	1/24/2008
Q: We have to choose pex or onyx..Asked for five quotes, got 5 very different answers. To use heat ... A: Both methods are valid and proven. Some horror stories are also valid and proven. However, it is ...
radiant heat problems	1/21/2008
Q: Our radiant heat system (water-based) was installed in our house when the house was built in 1993. ... A: The least regarded technician in any industry is the one they call the parts changer. Whereas it is ...
Bleeding air from radiant floor heating system	1/21/2008
Q: Accokeek, MD. Elevation 100 feet. We have a copper pipe/cement slab radiant floor heating system ... A: Micro-bubble will work better on both. I would start with the microbubble replacing the original ...
Radiant floor heating system	1/20/2008
Q: We have floor heat on the lower level and radiant heat on the upper level. When we turn the ... A: Boilers and all gas-fired appliances for that matter are not DIY projects. Call a contractor that ...
Bleeding air from radiant floor heating system	1/20/2008
Q: Accokeek, MD. Elevation 100 feet. We have a copper pipe/cement slab radiant floor heating system ... A: Micro-bubble air eliminators such as Spirovent, Honeywell’s' Supervent & Taco’s Vortex to name a ...
Green Radiant Floor Insulation	1/18/2008
Q: I'm looking for an R5, ASTM stamped insulation for a radiant floor that isn't polystyrene based. Do ... A: I am sorry I do not. I think one of the best things we can do for the environment is to consume ...
query for bhutan	1/17/2008
Q: radiant heating is not used in bhutan.the concept is not known.however my travel to europe has got ... A: Given the geographic diversity of your country it is hard to answer your question succinctly. I ...
Staple-Up Radiant Tube Expansion Noise	1/16/2008
Q: I'm an architect installing a single-zone 4-circuit PEX staple-up system in my own home. I chose ... A: There is normally no ticking noise from jumping pipe where Onyx is stapled up or "extruded" read ...
electric radiant heat	1/15/2008
Q: We are in the process of selecting an electric floor warming system for 36 sq ft. under porcelain ... A: Some how the guys who say you can do and they will help are no where to be found when you start your ...
Hammering noise ...	1/14/2008
Q: We are pretty new to radiant heat, which is installed in our newly purchased home.. We have been ... A: Having attempted to train professionals in the finer parts of advanced hydronic heating for three ...
Radiant Heat Source Tankless or Hot Water Heater?	1/14/2008
Q: I currently installed 1/2 inch PEX tubing on 6 inch center in a 30ftx40ftx6inch concrete slab in a ... A: You are very welcome. I am very disappointed in your professional and applaud you for your effort. ...
Radiant Heat Source Tankless or Hot Water Heater?	1/13/2008
Q: I currently installed 1/2 inch PEX tubing on 6 inch center in a 30ftx40ftx6inch concrete slab in a ... A: The only good thing about anti-freeze is that it doesn't freeze. I only use it in unoccupied spaces ...
Noise when radiant floor heat turns on	1/12/2008
Q: I recently built a new house that has radiant floor heat in the basement and through the first ... A: "Staple-Up" radiant floors will make noise. In the early days of Modern (plastic tube) radiant ...
Radiant heat in a new build	1/11/2008
Q: We are about to break ground on our new home in Denver, CO. It will be about 2100 sq ft on the main ... A: Direct suppliers of radiant floor heating products are married to the products they sell. Some are ...
Can't Get house above 66 degrees	1/9/2008
Q: Help! I recently purchased a consequentiality ft 1960's ranch with a boiler hydronic radient heat ... A: It is always a good idea to have a residential boiler specialist take a look at your system every 3 ...
Most cost efficient way to use radiant heat	1/9/2008
Q: I have a two part question regarding radiant heat on a 15 foot by 20 foot attached "sun room" that ... A: I have designed many radiant systems using a common water heater as the heat source and in small ...
Radiant Heat over existing slab below grade	1/8/2008
Q: My basement is about 6 ft below grade and is totally enclosed except for a few egress windows. The ... A: If you can spare the head-room, insulate with close cell polystyrene. If you do not have high ground ...
New Home Construction - Radiant Design	12/20/2007
Q: We are building a new 3 bedroom 2700sqft custom ranch home in Crystal Lake, Illinois (near Wisconsin ... A: I like your choice of boiler, though the boiler and water heater seems grossly oversized. This is a ...
Radiant floor heat on existing concrete slab	12/19/2007
Q: We have 24 x 36' basement with concrete floor. The house currently has an electric furnace wi ... A: First compare the cost of electricity to propane per BTU -your local propane dealer will be thrilled ...
Radiant Water Temp in Gypsum Underlayment	12/19/2007
Q: My in-laws recently had a 2-story home built near Pagosa Springs, CO, @ 8000ftmsl. Radiant Gypsum ... A: You are right; this is a two-temperature system. I wish I could design them all but alas... ...
Radiant Water Temp in Gypsum Underlayment	12/18/2007
Q: My in-laws recently had a 2-story home built near Pagosa Springs, CO, @ 8000ftmsl. Radiant Gypsum ... A: Every heat load demands a minimum water temperature determined by design conditions. You may be at ...
Old Radiant Heater	12/12/2007
Q: I recently purchased a home built in 1970, which has a radiant heating system. Are there ways to ... A: If I had to guess it is soft copper tube. Check by the boiler to confirm. A professional should look ...
Radiant heat water temperatures	12/11/2007
Q: I have staple-up radiant heat using the black onyx tubing which seems to work well but uses a LOT of ... A: One manufacturer regularly used 180F delivered below the floor. (I have had one running for16 years ...
anti-freeze	12/10/2007
Q: Why is Propylene glycol - an additive in CocaCola - the only acceptable anti-freeze for domestic ... A: It is food grade as opposed to ethylene glycol (car anti-freeze) which is lethal. Propylene glycol ...
Radiant Floor Heating	12/3/2007
Q: I have a very small apartment (18 x 18 feet) with a loft about half that large. I was thinking ... A: I would install a 40-gallon Combi-Cor by Bradford White. Insulation and Gypcrete are fine. No ...
open radiant floor heating system	12/3/2007
Q: I recently installed an open radiant system in which my potable hot water is supplied. I read your ... A: Many noxious pathogens love the water temperatures typical for radiant floor heating systems. If you ...
Combo base board and radiant heat?	12/2/2007
Q: I have a 50 year old split level home and am thinking about implementing radiant heat under the ... A: Hot water heat is the most flexible systems available. This gives the retrofit specialist nearly ...
Radiant floor heat on main floor and basement	12/1/2007
Q: I am about to start construction on a new 1900 sq ft one story house with a full basement. The ... A: Like so many builders, yours forgets that it is not his money. If he lived in a radiated home he ...
hot water base board covers	11/27/2007
Q: My hot water baseboard heating system is 45 years old and I have all metal coverings of the copper ... A: You will never be sorry if you have radiant floor heating installed while you can. You may use your ...
hot water base board covers	11/27/2007
Q: My hot water baseboard heating system is 45 years old and I have all metal coverings of the copper ... A: Unfortunately what is commonly called baseboard or fintube functions by convection or moving air. ...
basement radiant floor	11/23/2007
Q: I am in the process of constructing a basement apartment in an existing townhouse. The apartment ... A: Yes. I would install a Combi-Cor combination water heater by Bradford/White. This unit SAFELY ...
Hydronic radiant floor heat and solar	11/23/2007
Q: I am renovating a 1920's two family, brick home with basement in Detroit, Michigan. It will become ... A: Sounds like you are on the right track. You will need a good designer to integrate solar and radiant ...
Which source of heat is best?	11/17/2007
Q: We live in AK and just getting ready to begin new constuction. The living space is: upstairs 1156sf, ... A: Alot! I have to say that there are so many options in equipment and application that a figure is ...
Raident over basement slab...height an issue	11/17/2007
Q: I am interested in installing radiant heat in my basement. It is a walkout with a poured slab and ... A: The short answer is no. In a walkout the heat loss at the outside edge can be very significant. I ...
Which source of heat is best?	11/17/2007
Q: We live in AK and just getting ready to begin new constuction. The living space is: upstairs 1156sf, ... A: Excellent question. Though both heating and air conditioning 'condition' the living space, they are ...
Radiant heat issues	11/16/2007
Q: My radiant heat has a problem with air in the water tubes as the professionals said. how do i ... A: I am sorry, this is not a DIY project. I have been trying to teach professional to do it for years, ...
Radiant slab heating design	11/13/2007
Q: I've read many threads on this subject but cannot find specific details on the system design. I ... A: Automobile antifreeze is toxic and should never be used in hydronic heating systems. It is not ...
Hooking up my new radiant heat manifolds	11/12/2007
Q: I've seen so many different diagrams of Radiant Heating systems, that I am confused on what to do; ... A: You will need a mixing valve for the slab heat. Unfortunately I would need a picture of your current ...
Basement Radiant Floor	11/12/2007
Q: What size tubing and spacing should I use in a basement that has R10 walls and R 10 under slab, and ... A: Maximum water temperature for concrete is 150F. You will have to mix down and also protect your ...
gypcrete necessary for infloor heating	11/8/2007
Q: Steamboat springs colorado. House is complete. Our heating and plumbing is subpar....just finished ... A: You probably have a GB142 series condensing boiler and perhaps an indirect water heater. If this is ...
GYPCRETE	11/7/2007
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GYPCRETE FLOORS FOR RADIANT HEATING, WHAT TYPE OF ... A: I love Gypcrete. It gives you a solid thermal mass that distributes heat evenly and holds it for ...
heating water	11/2/2007
Q: 2 years ago I built a 1.5 story house with full basement and put heating tubes in all of the ... A: Please search the archives, I have made reference to this question several times but in short a ...
Staple up radiant heat	11/2/2007
Q: I was delighted to find this site. I have read through the previous posts on this subject but have ... A: Under-floor heating requires someone to DO THE MATH. (Emphasis for my fellow contractors). Hey I ...
Staple up radiant floor heating	11/1/2007
Q: 2 years ago I had a radiant floor heating system installed in a kitchen addition under the sub ... A: Properly designed and installed staple-up radiant heating systems deliver perfect comfort. In your ...
Slab on Grade construction is perfect for radiant floor heating.	10/30/2007
Q: I live about 2 hours north of Edmonton alberta. We are building a new home. Nop baszement. No steps ... A: Our cousins in Canada have known for some time, that the most comfortable and affordable heat comes ...
electric radiant floor heating vs oil	10/30/2007
Q: i currently have a 860 sf home and am adding an addition of approx 300 sf. my home is heated by oil ... A: Efficiency and output are related but not the same. If your boiler won't keep up in January it could ...
Radiant heating over existing concrete slab	10/28/2007
Q: The basement is approximately 1000 sq ft and I was thinking that a hydronic system would be best. ... A: Gypcrete over existing concrete is an accepted and common practice. Any "cementious" material ...
Radiant Floor w. floating floors	10/28/2007
Q: Could you please let me know if you can use the Konecto flooring with the radiant floor heating? ... A: This is a good idea, but I will have to research the Konecto and get back to you. MA I am sorry it ...
Foam insulation below radiant floor	10/26/2007
Q: I read that you recommended 'closed cell' foam insulation in other post for insulating radiant ... A: The close cell I use is R5 per inch and a layer of 2" would make me happy depending on your ...
radiant floors	10/25/2007
Q: There must be a communication breakdown here.my follow up question,I asked you to give me a definite ... A: I think you forget yourself sir. You are obviously ignorant of the fact that I am a volunteer and ...
radiant floor	10/24/2007
Q: i can't seem to get a balance. How warm should i have my floor sensor set on , if i want my room ... A: This is really a question for your installer, but I am not a fan of floor sensors. They overused and ...
Foam insulation below radiant floor	10/24/2007
Q: I read that you recommended 'closed cell' foam insulation in other post for insulating radiant ... A: Pathetic is an excellent description of foil insulation (though I use it in specific applications) ...
Radiant Heat Leak	10/22/2007
Q: We purchased a home Northwest of Chicago(3 years ago)built in the late 70's that has in slab Radiant ... A: Copper tubing in or below the slab can be fixed by any competent plumber. It is really no different ...
Radiant floor heating one room cold	10/22/2007
Q: I have a boiler driven hydronic floor heating system in a house I purchased 2 months ago. I am a ... A: Hydronic systems work with water. Air is a poor transfer medium and plays havoc if left in a ...
What size tubing	10/21/2007
Q: I've been tyring to find out if I should use 3/8 @ 4" spacing or 1/2 @ 6" spacingtubing in my ... A: Start with a heat load analysis. Once you have the load you can size for it. There are many ...
Home Heating Options	10/15/2007
Q: I'm building a new home; a 1650 sq.ft walkout bungalow on an acreage 20 miles west of Edmonton, ... A: Integrated heating. That is, a Mod/Con boiler (your own Trinity from NTI Canada comes to mind) with ...
Open Direct Radiant System	10/15/2007
Q: I am building a new home on a crawl space in the South West. We have short ,chilly winters. Planning ... A: The components may be approved for potable water but their is no accepted standard for using potable ...
Sensors for Radiant Floor Heating	10/11/2007
Q: We have a 7 year old system that we enjoy however it does not have floor sensors or outdoor sensors. ... A: Instantaneous or tankless coils rarely match peak demand such as multiple showers or large tubs in ...
radiant/baseboard heat	10/10/2007
Q: I live in southern Michigan and recently purchased a house. For size considerations, we are turning ... A: It is best done by a trained professional but, If you wish to try it yourself the good folks at ...
Sensors for Radiant Floor Heating	10/10/2007
Q: We have a 7 year old system that we enjoy however it does not have floor sensors or outdoor sensors. ... A: It sounds like the operating water temperature is set too low. My brother's system is similar to ...
Sensors for Radiant Floor Heating	10/9/2007
Q: We have a 7 year old system that we enjoy however it does not have floor sensors or outdoor sensors. ... A: Radiant floor heating can be very simple in design and application if the applicator understands the ...
? about going tankless	10/9/2007
Q: i need to replace my water heater and was considering going tankless. i've read many mixed reviews ... A: I like tankless water heaters. They are compact, efficient and reliable. However, they must make ...
remodeling 1920 basement	10/2/2007
Q: I am converting a 1920 basement into a living area. For some reason the concrete slab has about a ... A: Excellent idea! I would start by pouring the first lift to four inches from the finished surface. ...
hot water radiant heating	10/1/2007
Q: I purchased a home (1yr old) that has hot water radiant heating. This home is on a slab and has 2 ... A: Radiant floor heating comes in many variations. With so little information I can only guess what you ...
Radiant Floor heating unit	9/30/2007
Q: I am in the process of constructing a 2800sf home in New Jersey and am looking at utilizing the ... A: Propane Mod/Con boiler and indirect. You will find much information on this subject in previous ...
Antifreeze	9/28/2007
Q: Can I put antifreeze into PEX tubing? I am planning a solar assisted system with an on demand water ... A: Propylene glycol - an additive in CocaCola - is the only acceptable anti-freeze for domestic ...
slab home and floor heat	9/27/2007
Q: we are considering buying a home in upstate NY with no basement. the owners had it built with ... A: On-grade slab construction can be the most energy efficient and comfortable forms of building ever ...
Radiant Floor Heating--In Slab	9/26/2007
Q: MORGAN-- My neighbor has a 1950s-built Rancher with Gas Heat emanating from coils or piping in or ... A: I actually gained a great deal of experience with tree roots while drain cleaning my way through ...
Unused Hydronic Radiant Heating System in Slab	9/26/2007
Q: We are purchasing a 9-year old house that has an hydronic radiant heating system in the garage and ... A: An experienced radiant floor contractor can be found by calling and asking local heating contractors ...
Foil under a radiant heated slab	9/24/2007
Q: I note that in several instances you say you do not recommend placing foil/bubble insulation under a ... A: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rulemaking/rvalue/16cfr460.shtm There are standards for insulation and the ...
Boilers	9/23/2007
Q: We are in the final stages of building our ICF house. We installed PEX throughout and intend to use ... A: Modulating condensing boilers ModCons with indirect aka sidearm water heaters can not be beat for ...
Leak under slab	9/22/2007
Q: Yep, the nightmare! I have a leak in a under slab 3/4" kytek loop 100' to an outdoor hot tub heat ... A: I believe you will find 3/4" Kitec to be .79 inches I.D. This will allow you to pull a standard 1/2" ...
New install	9/21/2007
Q: I am remodeling a 10 year old building in S.E. Alaska. It is well insulated but was never open in ... A: Always insulate under a staple up radiant system. 4" un-faced fiberglass should do nicely. 1/2" ...
insulating radiant floor heat in a wood foundation	9/21/2007
Q: I'm building a house in northern Michigan (lower penninsula). The radiant floor system is installed ... A: Foil is a good heat transmitter - by conduction - and reflector of radiant heat but by and large a ...
Home heating system	9/18/2007
Q: Feeling under pressure to do something about our home heating expenses, which seems unreasonable. ... A: The following is a link to a cutaway of an indirect water heater. ...
Home heating system	9/18/2007
Q: Feeling under pressure to do something about our home heating expenses, which seems unreasonable. ... A: I am an advocate for Tankless Water Heaters to include Rheem, Takagi, Noritz, Rannai etc. However, ...
Domestic Hot water heater for slab heat	9/17/2007
Q: My friend just built a 30x36 ft shop with pex tubing in the floor. 2" of pink foam under the slab, ... A: Electric water heater as a radiant floor heat source. Water heaters do make safe, inexpensive heat ...
Radiant Thermal Barrier	9/14/2007
Q: I am installing electric radiant heat over an existing slab. What can I install or do between my ... A: Insulation is a must for all walk-out basements. I can't recommend any foil or blanket insulation ...
tubing	9/14/2007
Q: I am building a 24'x28' workshop/garage an I would like to put in radiant floor tubing in the slab. ... A: Radiant Tubing in concrete does not effect its strength and will not expand beyond it cast-in ...
Radiant Thermal Barrier	9/13/2007
Q: I am installing electric radiant heat over an existing slab. What can I install or do between my ... A: Where are you located? Is the slab on grade or in the basement? Is the slab already insulated below? ...
RV Park Bathhouse w/radiant heating	9/9/2007
Q: What do we need to do to "winterize" our radiant floor heating in our RV park Bathhouse before we ... A: Winterize radiant floors by first using compressed air to blow out water and them mix a 50% ...
radiant floor heat	9/7/2007
Q: After installing laminate floors in our 1800 sqft ranch in upstate NY, the house is colder. We ... A: Staple up or below floor systems are fairly uncomplicated installations typically requiring one 3/8 ...
radiant floor heat	9/5/2007
Q: We are installing a radiant heat system on the concrete floor of our basement. The floor is in ... A: Gycrete vs. Concrete, Gypcrete was originally designed as a floor-leveling compound. One of its ...
radiant heating source	9/2/2007
Q: Are there any tankless heaters such as the Buderus gh142 that work well with radiant systems? A: Tankless is a term which today is normally reserved for wall-hung, stainless steel vented, water ...
my leaky boiler	9/1/2007
Q: why cant I just add a stop leak additive like you would your car if it had a leak in the radiator ... A: Like the running of stop signs, it is done all the time, but it doesn't make it right. Stop leak is ...
Radiant heat in new const., boiler or WH???	8/31/2007
Q: I recently stubled across this thread... ... A: New construction ModCon with Indirect, Oh boy, this is one of those threads! Let me say again ...
Best tile for electric radiant heat	8/30/2007
Q: I have a 3 season room that is insulated very well. We'd like to add an electric radiant heat ... A: Tile is an excellent floor covering for radiant floor heating applications. It does not however ...
50s radiant floor heating	8/28/2007
Q: I have a contract on a house in Bedford NH with radiant floor heating. The house is a usonian built ... A: 1952 Radiant Floors were marvels of engineering. I have inspected several F.L. Wright's structures ...
Boiler pilot flame	8/27/2007
Q: I wanted to retro fit my boiler with an electronic spark ignition source. I have a standing pilot ... A: Sorry Dale but this is one of those "Professionals Only" jobs. Ignition systems for gas-fired ...
Changing radiant heat in bathroom	8/26/2007
Q: We have a 1700 sq. ft. ranch in Central Illinois that is heated with radiant hot water baseboard ... A: Because finned baseboard and staple up radiant floor will respond at different rates you will find ...
gypcrete or other light weight concretes	8/22/2007
Q: What is the thermal value difference between gypcrete and other light weight concretes. We are ... A: Gypcrete vs. concrete, The debate goes on. There are many types of "cementious" materials on the ...
Boiler vs. Water Heaters for radiant floors	8/16/2007
Q: Putting on addition ruffly 3100 sq feet. All tubing will be in concrete. Question do we go with a ... A: Boiler vs. Water Heaters, yet another excellent question. I have specified, installed and serviced ...
Is crack supression necessary?	8/10/2007
Q: I'm just beginning a project in which I intend to hire someone to tear up my very old wood flooring ... A: Crack barriers are like insulation, they are not always mandatory but they never hurt. I would ...
Is crack supression necessary?	8/10/2007
Q: I'm just beginning a project in which I intend to hire someone to tear up my very old wood flooring ... A: Slate over wood sub-floor is a challenge and I believe your challenges go beyond crack suppression. ...
radiant floor heating	8/9/2007
Q: We are about to build a 2500sft house in Washington, with a lap pool. I have been told that Polaris ... A: First a heat load analysis must be done. The Polaris is rated for heating and domestic hot water ...
electric radiant vs. baseboard heating	8/8/2007
Q: I'm new to this, so please bear with me. I live in Avon, CO, about 7900ft. I have a 1400 sqft, ... A: Every heating job should start with a heat load calculation. Once you have the load you can ...
Radiant floor heat	8/8/2007
Q: My husband and I are in planning on building a pole barn and are going to install radiant floor ... A: Exellent question! A competent installer will provide and follow a cad drawing. If the tubing ...
Old Radiant Heat System	8/7/2007
Q: We’re considering purchasing a home in Upstate New York built in 1955. It’s a single story ... A: Radiant floor enjoyed some popularity just after WW2 and until air conditioning and central air took ...
Radiant Floor Repair	8/6/2007
Q: My 3 year old home has 18" Travertine tile installed over a Gypcrete radiant system. A small crack ... A: Patching Gypcrete can be accomplished with a Portland cement based concrete repair product. I would ...
Sand and sleepers vs. concrete	8/3/2007
Q: We are installing radiant heating on the first floor of our house. We read online that it is ... A: Sand and sleepers? Well, you learn something new every day. I cannot imagine the advantage or useful ...
Hydronic Snow Melting costs	7/27/2007
Q: I'm trying to find the true cost of running a snow melting system for an installation in Lake Tahoe ... A: Hydronic snow melting systems are the hands-down favorite for most of the world that sees snow. The ...
New construction in floor heat	7/26/2007
Q: I have read conflicting opinions on the subject of staple up vs wet installation. Is one better than ... A: Sorry Greg, Dry vs. Wet radiant floors. I had to go out of town unexpectedly. Your question is a ...
New in floor construction	7/26/2007
Q: One more thing though. I do want to do a wet installation with gypcrete or flowcrete in the house. ... A: Gycrete flow like warm ice cream, so no holes to lower levels and 1.25 to 1.5" will leave you door ...
New in floor construction	7/25/2007
Q: I live at 8,600 ft elevation in the mountains of Colorado, long cold winters. I am installing a ... A: I installed my first radiant floor with condensing boiler in Evergreen, Colorado Circa. 1987! ...
Polaris vs. cheaper heaters	7/25/2007
Q: I am building a 2 story, 2500sf slab on grade + 2500sf gypcrete upstairs in Portland, Oregon ... A: I have never been impressed with tubing manufacturers claims to superiority. Last year replaced a ...
Radiant floor heat	7/23/2007
Q: ANSWER: Hello Rick, How will the room be used and at what temperature? What the heat source be? MA ... A: Three loops of half inch barrier pex, 12in. on center, about 330ft long each. I would buy a thousand ...
Can't find leak	7/22/2007
Q: My husband and I recently bought a 1955 slab on grade radiantly heated home. Love it. However, ... A: In 1955 (a popular time for radiant floors) before forced air and A.C. took off radiant floors were ...
electric water heater	7/20/2007
Q: Our radiant floor is currenly heated by the water from a ordinary water heater , no boiler, that ... A: Unfortunately high efficiency hot water heaters (above 86% thermal efficiency) are few and for ...
Radiant floors and solar hot water	7/19/2007
Q: We are doing a major remodel of our old house (about 3000 sq ft) and are installing radiant floors ... A: Solar hot water heating. If you have a lot of sun and you do not dip below freezing, a passive ...
Mixing cold water with hot water for ideal temp.	7/16/2007
Q: I am about to install hydronic radiant floor heating in a small vacation house, and have read ... A: I wish I could say hello in Portuguese! You are on the right track Manezinho. If your heating load ...
PEX Repairs	7/1/2007
Q: I have pex installed in slab in my home that is currently being built. The lines were filled with ... A: Your contractor might have known that the standard for radiant floor tubing testing is 100-psi air. ...
installation in an existing home	6/25/2007
Q: I'm looking at finishing my basement and currently have baseboard heat upstairs with radiating vents ... A: Radiant floor in the basement is a great idea. There are many products available for the purpose. As ...
Add on or change?	6/22/2007
Q: I currently run my hydronic system with an oil-fired boiler. I am under construction right now, and ... A: You have hit on two of my favorite subjects - after boilers and radiant floors - the first is ...
Old house -radiant floor	6/20/2007
Q: I just looked at a house I was thinking of buying. The heating and cooling systems needs upgraded. ... A: Great name! Radiant floor in the 50's was really pioneering. I had the privilege of consulting on ...
Radiant flooring heating project	6/20/2007
Q: We live in century home with hydronic boiler system. We are planning a Garage conversion to a ... A: You could use 6-6,10-10 flat wire and tie the 1/2" barrier tubing on 12 inch on center. Get a ...
Radiant flooring heating project	6/19/2007
Q: We live in century home with hydronic boiler system. We are planning a Garage conversion to a ... A: What state, elevation? Is the garage slab insulated, on grad? I would like to recommend a book, but ...
Feasability of Installation	6/14/2007
Q: State: UT, Elev: ~4500' Beginning Stages of project, some purchases already made. (tankless water ... A: I will make it easy. First, a forty-gallon water heater installed in the usual manor for bathing ...
Radiant Floor design	6/14/2007
Q: I am building 80' x 80' farm shop and would like to install radiant floor heat. I have seen many ... A: Assuming you have R-19 walls and R30 ceiling, you will need to insulate the perimeter. Buy closed ...
lumber used with concrete subfloor	6/11/2007
Q: We are planning on pouring a concrete layer over our radiant floor heating on our main level ... A: Your contractor is concerned about moisture being attracted to the framing. But if you think about ...
Snow Melt Pad	6/8/2007
Q: Our electricity went off this past summer and our snowmelt pad froze. It now leaks water. Our ... A: Sorry to here of your misfortune. All manufacturers recommend an annual anti-freeze check. I believe ...
Radiant Floor Tubing	6/7/2007
Q: I hit the radiant floor tubing in a new slab as I was drilling a hole for a sill plate anchor (Don't ... A: All tubing should be 6 inches from walls, cabinets etc. I would use shallow anchors, the type that ...
Radiant Floor Tubing	6/6/2007
Q: I hit the radiant floor tubing in a new slab as I was drilling a hole for a sill plate anchor (Don't ... A: I wish I could send you a picture of one of my many repairs. The last one, just last year, was ...
how to install radiant flooring	6/3/2007
Q: I am building my own house and have a third floor made of cement slab. I am considering installing ... A: I need more information. Town, state, elevation. Flash heater is a tankless WH? There are many ...
Baseboard Heating hole	6/2/2007
Q: We have baseboard radiant heaters. It appears that we have a hole in one of them, based on the wet ... A: I used to do some work up your way. Vail is really nice this time of year and quite affordable. ...
Entran II abatement	5/31/2007
Q: Our home built in 1993 has Entran II tubing. We have registered with the class action suit. We ... A: It does sound like you are suffering for what the Late and Great Rich Harris used to call "drive by ...
Radiant Heat from Hot water tank	5/30/2007
Q: I am trying to design and install into an existing home with presently only wood heat, a hot water ... A: There are programs available to do heat load calculations. Mine cost $3000.00 and is going up. Some ...
Radiant Heat from Hot water tank	5/29/2007
Q: I am trying to design and install into an existing home with presently only wood heat, a hot water ... A: When I lived and worked in New Mexico we often heated homes with an additional water heater. Heat ...
Radiant heating for walkout basement	5/27/2007
Q: In your answer regarding the use of sand, you said "if you were using electricity for radiant floor ... A: Never say never again! Off-peak is fine if you have a way to store the energy and release it at a ...
adding sand	5/27/2007
Q: Good answer regarding sand not being of much value as a heat sink. Another question relating to ... A: Hey Vern; Put sand in the sand box. I have specified thousands and installed hundreds of hydronic ...
radiant heating: electric mats vs hydronic	5/26/2007
Q: I am in the early stages of building a 28' x 42' cabin in northwestern WI. I have heard both pros ... A: I have designed several hundred radiant floor and snow melting systems for homes in Wisconsin - in ...
electric radiant floors over hardwood	5/22/2007
Q: we are installing electric radiant floors in the new bathroom - former bedroom. There are hardwood ... A: If your floor is older you probably have a sub-floor and a finished floor; well-seasoned and not ...
electric radiant floors over hardwood	5/22/2007
Q: we are installing electric radiant floors in the new bathroom - former bedroom. There are hardwood ... A: I think a membrane is overkill but unlike so many "experts" I still work with my hands occasionally. ...
vapor barrier for in-floor heating	5/21/2007
Q: I am about to install an hydronic radiant floor heating system. What do you suggest for a "vapor ... A: Closed cell polystyrene like that sold by Dow is an adequate vapor barrier in most applications. ...
adding sand for heat sink for in-floor heating	5/21/2007
Q: I am about a week away from installing hydronic in-floor heating in my cabin in northern Wisconsin. ... A: "The sands of Time are changed to golden grains". But the there is little gold in real sand and ...
Question	5/19/2007
Q: How thick of insulation board do you need under the concrete slab for the in floor heat. Is 1" ... A: Of course, "warmer" is a relative term. The basement temperature will be where ever you set the ...
Question	5/18/2007
Q: How thick of insulation board do you need under the concrete slab for the in floor heat. Is 1" ... A: The answer is; it depends. First a few questions. What state and elevation are you in? Where is ...
Retrofitting Radiant into Small House	5/6/2007
Q: My wife and I are very close to closing on our first home here on Cape Cod--possibly shouldn't be ... A: Good questions all around! The simplest (and you know that I am all about simple) system for the ...
HOLE IN RADIANT HEAT TUBING	4/20/2007
Q: MY contractor was framing out the ductwork in our basement and "shot" a nail through the radiant ... A: I am sorry. A good service technician never assumes anything! You have a reasonably easy repair ...
HOLE IN RADIANT HEAT TUBING	4/20/2007
Q: MY contractor was framing out the ductwork in our basement and "shot" a nail through the radiant ... A: Rent an electric jack hammer and "gentle carve out an area about 18 inches square. Get repair ...
Replacement Boiler	4/19/2007
Q: Our current boiler needs to be replaced, due to internal water leaks. Our 1300 sq ft house has ... A: You have two distinct types of radiant terminals. One is finned baseboard which is really just a ...
repairing pex tubing in concrete	4/19/2007
Q: We are currently building a house in which we had infloor heating installed. The heating man put ... A: I am sorry for your misfortune. It is not uncommon for the concrete crew to "shovel" the tubing and ...
radiant heat with VCT tile	4/18/2007
Q: I am moving into a condo yet to be built. Will be on cement slab. Contractor will be installing ... A: There are no limits to the floor coverings compatible with radiant floor heating. Some are more ...
boilers vs. tankless water heaters	4/12/2007
Q: I will be installing a radiant floor heating system in a concrete slab in my home. I want advice as ... A: Well.... First, your fears concerning "explosive fuels" cannot be statistically validated. A 90%+ ...
boilers vs. tankless water heaters	4/11/2007
Q: I will be installing a radiant floor heating system in a concrete slab in my home. I want advice as ... A: The plumber is always right!....Well, tell him I said that anyway, it can't hurt. I am first ...
In-floor radiant heat repair	3/28/2007
Q: I have a 45 year old copper radiant heating system in a basement concrete floor. Recently one of ... A: Many of the old copper systems were installed in the sand bed below the concrete. If this is the ...
radiant heat from hot water tank	3/19/2007
Q: I want to heat two small rooms with radiant hot water heat. Can you separate your drinking water ... A: You will need to separate the domestic hot water from the heat transfer water by means of a heat ...
insulating a concrete floor for radiant	2/20/2007
Q: I'm preparing to install a mat-based electric radiant floor and was wondering if/how I could ... A: Though I do believe in miracles I depend on science. In your case it is fairly straight forward. The ...
radiant heat	2/15/2007
Q: im green when it comes to this stuff, im not real clear on your explanation. my in floor is at 70 ... A: Radiant floor is the most comfortable heating system available. If you have a high efficiency ...
radiant heat	2/14/2007
Q: wh is 50 gal and tstat was at 67 but i raised to 70 because it still felt cold, also i have furnace ... A: Of course I am not with you in the basement, but I just finished a project in Minneapolis and found ...
hydronic heat	1/26/2007
Q: I have heard that hydronic heating, where a pipe is run through the floor, is the most efficient. ... A: Splint systems employ the duct work that you are used to for cooling, filtration and fresh air. ...
Bidding A Radiant Heat Job	1/24/2007
Q: My company is just getting into boilers and radiant heat systems. My problem is I have no idea how ... A: Well. There are many effective ways to design and install radiant heat. The short answer is the one ...

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