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Electronic radiant floor systems - here, heating cables or conductive plastic mats are built into the floor for heating purposes. This type of system makes more sense in properties that have access to time-of-use electricity rates and have a sizeable concrete (thermal) mass. They’re best configured to operate when rates are low, during off-peak hours. Heat can be stored in the floor itself and can deliver around 8-10 hours of heating without power consumption, if thermal mass is high enough.

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Through its use in a number of solutions, radiant heating has rapidly become one of the most effective heat distributions methods on the market. Here, heat is delivered through the floor, walls, ceiling, and other surfaces in a given space, without heating the air in-between. Utilising direct heat transfers between occupants and objects, properties are effectively warmed as a result of radiation.

Drawdown capacity is the amount of coolant that can be lost before air reaches the water pump and is introduced into the system. Air bubbles in the coolant system can cause inconsistent cooling and can also prevent the thermostat from opening if an air bubble gets trapped underneath it.

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Hydronic radiant heating systems - not just the most popular of the all underfloor heating systems, hydronic variants are also the most cost-effective. Suitable for properties that use a thermostat to control heat output, here, hot water from a boiler is pumped through pipes that are evenly distributed under the floor. These systems require very little maintenance and can be installed under existing floors, making them the perfect choice for properties undergoing renovation.

The general rule of thumb for proper capacity of expansion is 12% of total coolant volume for draw down and 6% of the total volume for thermal expansion.

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Here, given that the source of heat is located beneath the floor, the rise in temperature is uniform and consistent, displacing cooler air in a given space. In this regard, heating does not occur through a forced air system, resulting in zero disturbance to dust and other allergens - one of the biggest drawbacks of other heating systems. Radiant heating therefore, not just improves the internal environment but also reduces drafts, maintaining the health and well-being of all who dwell inside.

Air-heated radiant systems - here, hot air is released through ducts underneath the floor, which creates a warm atmosphere in the room. The main drawback of this type of system is that the air exchanged cannot hold too much heat, so they may not be the best pick for residential properties.

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To get the proper expansion tank volume we need to add together the draw down capacity requirement and the thermal expansion requirement to get an additional 18% total volume required for the expansion tank. Most coolant systems are designed to operate with about 13 qts in the system. If we use a 13 qt system as our model. We would use the calculations below:

In a 13 qt System a 2.34 qt expansion tank would be required. In a situation where a large enough tank isn't available a recovery tank can be used in order to take up some of the expansion volume needed. A recovery tank will collect any coolant that is expelled from the pressure relief. In a set up with a recovery tank it is important to make sure that the coolant system is still full enough to allow for drawdown.   For more info on setting up your coolant tank system, see our "Setting up Your Cooling System" blog post.

When it comes to floor heating, radiant systems can be categorised according to the medium used to deliver heat. These include:

Given the multiple types of underfloor systems that utilise this highly effective heating principle, theses systems make a good fit in diverse settings, whether residential or commercial. Owing to the ease with which these systems can be installed in either new or existing buildings, radiant heating is set to play a more dominant role in the heating industry in the time to come.

One of the biggest limitations of electronic systems, however, is that they depend heavily on resistance heating, which can result in excessive running costs if the kilowatt-hour price is high.

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Dry Installation - this process is not just more convenient but less expensive as well. Heating cables, mats or tubing is installed in a pocket of air under the floor and results in faster heating compared to the wet systems. However, configuration needs to operate at a higher temperature since it is not embedded in the flooring itself.

Playing a key role in the high energy efficiency values possessed by underfloor heating and cooling systems, our blog this week dives into all you need to know about radiant heating!

Thermal expansion occurs as coolant accumulates heat from the engine.  The 6% of the expansion volume is calculated from the amount that the coolant level will rise at 212 degrees F. This takes into account the density change of the coolant itself and all the components that are in the coolant system. If the volume is calculated incorrectly and an inadequate expansion space is provided coolant will be discharged from the system at operating temperature.  To prevent the possibility of spilling coolant a catch tank or a recovery tank can be used.

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Wet installation - through this method, electrical cables, mats or hydronic tubing are embedded in a thick concrete slab or thin concrete subfloor, which makes it more expensive than dry installation. Here, radiant systems take longer to heat a particular room. Given, however, that the large thermal mass preserves the heat better, warm temperatures can be maintained for several hours after the system is turned off.

The main job of an expansion tank has to do with, not surprisingly, expansion.  As a basic requirement, expansion tanks should allow enough space for coolant to expand at normal operating temperature and not be pushed out of the pressure relief fitting in the neck.

Renowned for its silent operation and high energy efficiency, radiant heating is a promising feature in modern homes and commercial buildings.

When it comes to radiant floor heating, installation can be categorised between wet and dry methods. Again, classification is dependant on the heat transfer medium used and does not have any relation to either hydronic or electrical systems, contrary to popular belief.

With its lower running costs, high energy efficiency, and beneficial health implications, radiant heating systems are a top choice in many properties.

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