Reducing the Complexity of Radiant Heating Systems
Installing a hydronic radiant heating system may be easier than you think. A company called Infloor Heating Systems has been taking great strides to reduce the complexity of these systems and make installations quicker and easier than ever before, for everyone. Hi Valley proudly carries Infloor Heating Systems, and with their guidance, designs, and dedicated support, even first-time installations can be flawless.
The Dreher’s from Canon City, CO have been dreaming of building a home for quite some time. Almost a decade ago, they attended the Denver Home & Garden Show where they met Tim and Michael Willburn, with Hi Valley Supply. They talked about radiant heating, and the couple knew then it was something they wanted to include in the design of their house. “I’ve talked to folks who have it and love it,” said Conrad Dreher. “My neighbors even have radiant heating, so we’ve experienced it and know it’s great.”
Last year, it all became a reality as they broke ground on the home they had dreamt about for so long… and they decided to build it themselves. “I’m the type of person who likes to figure things out,” said Conrad. While he has never installed a full radiant heating system before, as a professional engineer, he has experience with PEX tubing. “I’ve done a fair amount of work with PEX, and never experienced a leak. Not a single drop of water,” Conrad shared. “PEX has come a long ways and is quite a good product.”
They decided on a raised ranch, with no fillers, around 2,800 sq. ft. with a basement, where there is also a two car garage. The footers are sitting directly on a rock bed that the Dreher’s jackhammered out by hand. They even built the kitchen cabinets themselves with furniture-grade plywood, citing that they don’t care much for particle board, and that it saved them a lot of money.
The entire house, minus the garage, is heated by a hydronic radiant heating system. It was designed for a 70 degree indoor temperature at 0 degrees outdoor temperature. There are seven (7) zones of heating separated into four (4) zones of concrete, three (3) zones of gypcrete, and one (1) zone for domestic hot water. All the zones are equipped with a thermostat.
Both copper (upstairs) and brass (downstairs) manifolds were used with ½" BPEX tubing, placed 9" on center. The system is heated by an HTP Elite Fire Tube 155 boiler to adequately recover the 60 gallon tank and provide the largest range of modulation.
“The system is equipped with a tekmar TN2 system that will control the entire heating system using indoor outdoor reset control based on every thermostat in the system,” Michael explained. “This allows the heating system to take a reading from every location within the house and make adjustments to water temperatures and run times. This system also provides set back options, and is Wi-Fi enabled. This is the most efficient control system available on the market today.”
The massive master bedroom is 450 sq. ft. with high, vaulted ceilings, and carpet as the floor covering. The rooms with hardwood flooring have sleepers installed making installation easier by nailing the hardwood directly to the sleepers, while keeping the PEX tubing safe and sound.
Conrad took on the installation of the mechanical room with the desire to learn as he went. “I laid it all out in the room, consulted the control loop diagrams provided, and figured it out. I was sure to place components where they could be easily accessed,” said Conrad.
And the results couldn’t be better. “We provided them with the information to make educated choices about their system,” Michael said. “They took their time with the installation and followed all of our instructions. That is one of the most beautiful mechanical rooms I’ve ever seen.”
The project design was provided by Infloor Heating Systems, and then the customer chose to handle the installation and assemble the mechanical room themselves. “They got everything they needed at one time – all as one system, including all the parts, fittings, design, and diagrams,” he said. Which was very appealing to the Dreher’s.
“I liked the way Infloor packaged the system, complete with everything I needed for the installation,” said Conrad. “I told Michael what I wanted, and they nailed it. I installed the system just the way they sent it to me. And when I had questions it was nice to know that I could call them anytime and get answers on things. They are happy to hear from you when you call. It was a great experience, and with no problems at all,” he said. “Michael and Tim really know their stuff, inside and out. I don’t know of anyone who does it better,” Conrad concluded.
Are you thinking about taking on the installation of a radiant heating system? We can help. www.hi-valley.com
