How Hydronic Radiant Heat Is Installed In A Home
Do you want to experience the comfort that radiant heat can provide? Since the heat comes from the floor through hot water pipes, you end up with heat that evenly covers the entire bottom half of the room, which eliminates cold and hot spots. Here is an overview of what happens when you have a radiant heat system installed.
Designing The Heating System
Everything starts with coming up with a design for your radiant heat system. You'll work with a professional HVAC contractor that will look at a diagram of your home to determine where the hot water pipes will go. This includes creating zones that can control their own heat, how many zones there will be, and where the heating source will be located. Your HVAC contractor will ensure that everything will be designed appropriately so that the system works efficiently based on your home's needs.
Installing The Boiler
A radiant heat system uses hot water to heat your home. However, that water doesn't come from your hot water tank. It utilizes a special boiler that heats the water instantly, rather than storing it in a tank until the water is ready to be used. This hot water boiler is then connected to a manifold that sends the hot water to the different heating zones.
Installing The Hot Water Pipes
You'll need to have hot water pipes placed in the floor, which is why it is ideal to install a hydronic radiant heat system during new construction. The pipes are installed in a grid pattern under the floor to evenly distribute the heat to all parts of the room. The pipes will make a loop with the heating system so that the water can flow in and out of a zone for the water to be heated again.
Testing The Heating System
The heating system will then be tested by running hot water through it. The goal will be to see if the hot water is able to heat an entire zone evenly, as well as check for any places where the water could be leaking out. This step is crucial because all those water pipes will be hidden under the floor.
Covering The Hot Water Pipes
The pipes will be covered with a lightweight concrete so that it creates a solid subfloor with the water pipes underneath. That lightweight concrete is excellent at protecting the pipes, but allowing the heat to radiant upward. It also helps level the floor so that it is even. The final flooring material will then be placed on top of the subfloor, such as carpeting, hardwood, or tile.
For more information, contact a company such as T.M.T Service Repairs.
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