Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Radiant Floor Company We’re Hot to Help You with Radiant Heat! DIY Radiant Heat DIY Radiant Heat ## Posts - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/53/) - Hello Everyone at Radiant Floor Company, we just wanted to send a friendly email to give your company praise on the great customer service and helpfulness we received. In the fall of 2012 my brother and I purchased a Takagi tankless water heater from your company to install in my mothers house to replace her - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/56/) - I cannot thank you enough for your 'above the call of duty' help and support. I work with suppliers in my business often and rarely find the willingness and dogged persistence you have shown. Your company is and will continue to be recommended highly to those customers of mine that ask. Thanks again. I'll send - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/58/) - I just wanted to say thank you for all the support you provided. My electrician was more than impressed with the support he got from you and the Radiant Floor Company in general. Grant Parnell - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/60/) - Thanks again for your help and providing all the materials for the DIY. My mechanical contractor told me he would have charged about $35,000 for doing my installation. I'm in for around $6000 so it has been a great savings and will add comfort and value to my home. Brian Padgett, Legacy Modernization - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/62/) - Hi Bill, I sourced out a couple of the extra components I needed here in town and completed the plumbing on Saturday night late. Everything went great! My floor started at about 37F and 12 hours later it was at 73F. Return temp to my boiler is easily maintained at ~140 and my floor supply was - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/64/) - Bill, The replacement section just arrived for my RadiantReady board. Thanks so much for the rapid turn around. It is a pleasure to work with a company that stands behind their product - and does it with a smile. I will do my best to send more work your way. Sincerely, Stephen Smith Aspers, PA - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/66/) - Your package of parts and instructions made the job easy. It's harder to put a bike together! I am extremely impressed with your company's help and your website has the answers to the questions I had. We absolutely love the radiant floor heat. It's like a heating pad on your feet. Bill Stock Wind Lake, - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/68/) - Now that all the work has been done, my wife and I are very happy with the heating of our house. I still don't fully understand how the heat comes through the floor but, MAN!! it sure is warm. On one of the coldest days when our outside temperature was 18 degrees, the one zone - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/70/) - Well the heat is finally on!! Working great. I can't thank you enough for all your help. You and your company have been wonderful. I am spreading the word, hopefully it will get you more business. I am returning the 100 unused aluminum sheets (they are in perfect condition). Please let me know you got - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/72/) - Dear Radiant People: I had to write to thank you. I just went to install my last of 10- 400 foot roll boxes and out pops a great surprise. I am wearing the shirt now, the knife could not be more useful as for the video, a little late but your help on the phone - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/74/) - ... Your information is not only well presented but in easy to read "layman" language. Your website has been marked favorite in my computer and you will be hearing from me in the future as we are still in the planning stage.Marg SchaafsmaCalgary Alberta Canada - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/76/) - Hi Art. I just wanted to write you and let you know how much help you have been to me during this stressful time in my life. You said that you were sure that your solution was a hundred percent right - and right you are! Your knowledge, and more importantly, your extra effort to - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/80/) - Radiant Floor Company folks, I have completed my installation of Zone 1, my living room and dining room floors. System works perfect and is quiet and comfortable. On behalf of myself and my family, thanks for all the help and for our warm toes. A. W. La Haye - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/82/) - RE: Radiant Floor Company I know the quality of the employees you have is second to none! Everyone that I have talked to has been professional, kind and very helpful. I like the layout! It is better than I thought of... Looking forward to talking to you. Greg - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/86/) - Dear Sirs, I have been researching radiant floor heating for my new home for about a year. Tonight my search is done. Your web site is so complete, I am convinced to do it my self with your help. What a great site! You have answered my questions about the install process. I can't wait - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/88/) - We are thrilled with the price, the self-installation, and the final result of our Radiant Floor Company heating system. We used 7/8" tubing throughout in the slab and in the attic trusses. We are especially thankful for the Radiant Floor Company technical support. I had never plumbed or sweated a pipe before, so all this - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/90/) - Hi JF, The Takagi [water heater] surpassed my wildest expectations! Thanks again for all your help. The whole system is working great! Tucker - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/92/) - Art, Just wanted to let you know that we received our shipment a few days ago. Everything is in good shape. Of all the vendors we've worked with so far on our log cabin project, you guys have been the best. Thanks, Glen - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/94/) - Everything is installed and working. Thanks for the great and speedy service. I would recommend the Radiant Floor Company to anyone. Dave Duncan - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/96/) - Dear Mr. Gebauer, We are very pleased with our system, and have not only enjoyed the heat, but the cost as well, as it is minimal. We are very happy with our choice to use your system, and already recommend it to anyone we know who is interested in having an in-floor heating system. Sincerely, - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/98/) - Hi JF, I just wanted to write about our radiant floor install. You worked with me over 2 years to get started and we are finally coming on line. Even though I pressure tested it at the time [I poured], I was a bit worried about how the tubes and fittings I had put under - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/100/) - Good afternoon JF, First, I would like to thank you for the time that you recently took to assist me in troubleshooting my open, slab on grade system in my garage. I did purchase the recommended Grundfos pump from Radiant Floor Company after speaking with you and the system now works flawlessly! If I have - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/102/) - This letter is to thank Seneca and the Radiant Floor Company for the quality of service and materials that was given to me on my recent purchase. I recently built a new home, in which I wanted a radiant floor heating system in. From the very first day I contacted the Radiant Floor Company the - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/104/) - Please pass this to your company president. I recently installed a radiant system in my home, and I am very satisfied with the professional and competent assistance I received throughout the process, especially from one of your employees (Art). During final installation, I realized that the manner in which I configured my system (see attached) - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/106/) - Hey Jon, ...everything is up and running beautifully! Not only do I have domestic hot water without turning on my heat, my flow has nearly doubled so that all my faucets trigger the Takagi Jr. Thank you for all your help in this endeavor. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/108/) - I'm happy to say we got the system in over the weekend and itIs working great... We are able to maintain a nice temp in theHouse w/ with no insulation in the walls and floor... We expectIt to only get better!I can't say enough about both you and the company you work for, the supportIs - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/112/) - Well Bill I don't know what to tell you. We ran the heat at 65 and had to reset to 60. Still too hot. The water in the lines stayed at 80 for 4 days and is at 60 now after 9 days. The extra insulation and artic foil really did the job. The other - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/110/) - Good Morning Radiant Floor Company: I am Leonard Harris from St. Louis, MO. I recently inquired about your product and received a quote via mail in a very timely matter, which I certainly appreciated. I became aware of your system through the Fine Homebuilding magazine and I was curious as to how it really works. Talking with - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/78/) - hello - I've just browsed through your website. I want to commend you for it. Your site is laid out so logically, and so it was very easy to navigate through your site. Your information is very clear and easy to understand....especially for one who is not a plumber/heating expert, and who desperately needed the - [](https://www.radiantcompany.com/114/) - Hi Rick, I finally had a chance to complete those changes you suggested. As you recall I had asked about the lack of flow in the system which required a drill pump to jump start. Your diagnosis was dead on. I replaced the braided hoses leading to and from the heater and all seems well. ## Pages - [We're Hot to Help You with Radiant Heat!](https://www.radiantcompany.com/) - Free help designing your radiant floor heat system. If you’ve received shockingly high quotes from others and are still recovering, relief is right here. - [Getting Heat Into Your Home](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/heatin/) - So, what is the easiest, most efficient way to make hot water? The answer depends upon your needs, but you can pretty much eliminate the standard, tank-type water heaters you see in most homes. Common gas and electric tank-type units are legendary for their inefficiencies, many barely at 60%. That means a full 40% of - [On Demand Pre-Assembled Radiant Systems](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/ondemand/takagischematics/) - Radiant Floor Company pioneered the use of on- demand, tankless water heaters for radiant floor heating more than 20 years ago, when many in the heating industry believed that “on-demand water heaters would never work for radiant heat. We disagreed and have been doing this longer than anyone, with great success! On-demand water heaters can be - [On-demand Water Heaters](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/ondemand/) - Radiant Floor Company pioneered the use of on-demand/tankless water heaters for radiant floor heating nearly 25 years ago, when many in the heating industry believed that “on-demand / tankless water heaters would never work for radiant heat”. We disagreed and have proved them wrong with great success! As the name implies, Tankless/on-demand heaters supply hot water only - [Primary/Secondary plumbing](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/ondemand/primarysecondary-plumbing/) - Primary/Secondary plumbing has been used for years in commercial and residential heating and cooling applications. In a radiant heating application, a properly sized pump on the Primary Loop triggers the on-demand heater whenever any zone calls for heat. This creates a circulating loop of hot water between the heater and a pair of closely spaced tees that intersect - [The Closed System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/the-closed-system/) - Introduction This approach utilizes a dedicated heat source for the radiant floor. The fluid in a closed system circulates around and around in a completely closed loop. There is no connection to the domestic water supply. The main advantage of this system is that, being closed, anti-freeze instead of water can be used as the - [VFB Pro - Form Preview](https://www.radiantcompany.com/vfb-pro-form-preview/) - This is a preview of how this form will appear on your website - [Getting Started Quote](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/getting-started-quote/) - Looking for a radiant floor quote? Got a radiant floor question? How can Radiant Floor Company help you with your radiant floor needs? - [Price Sheet](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/prices/) - (Prices are subject to change) Our systems are manufactured in the USA!! *We Ship World Wide ~ All 50 States, Mexico & Every Province of Canada* We accept the following payment methods ~ Visa / MasterCard / Discover / American Express / Electronic Checks (E-checks) *DUE TO RISING COSTS, FREE FREIGHT ON HEAT SOURCES IS - [About Radiant Floor Company](https://www.radiantcompany.com/contact/about/) - Our systems are manufactured in the USA!! *We Ship World Wide ~ All 50 States, Mexico & Every Province of Canada* Radiant Floor Company is a privately owned business based in the state of Vermont. Incorporated in 1999 with a workforce of four, we now employ twenty-one people in our 7,200 sq. ft. radiantly heated - [The Slab on Grade Installation](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/grade/) - Introduction A slab on grade is defined as any concrete slab poured over excavated soil. From a radiant heating perspective, it doesn't matter if the slab is actually "at grade" or is poured several feet below grade as part of a full foundation. Check out our video How to Install Radiant Floor Heat Tubing in - [The Closed System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/closedsystem/) - Introduction This approach utilizes a dedicated heat source for the radiant floor. The fluid in a closed system circulates around and around in a completely closed loop. There is no connection to the domestic water supply. The main advantage to this system is that, being closed, anti-freeze instead of water can be used as the - [Sample Quotes](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/quotes/) - Of course, every customer has unique heating requirements and our technicians will design the perfect radiant system for your situation. But the following sample estimates will give you some idea of the price breakdown for a “Closed”, “Open” & “Heat Exchanger/Combination” design systems. Note: For a detailed explanation of the various system options, see the - [Contact Us](https://www.radiantcompany.com/contact/) - Sales and Information We offer unlimited technical support ~ toll free 866-warm toes (927-6863) We can be reached via phone during our office hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. eastern time Toll Free at: 1-866-Warm-Toes (927 6863), or (802) 525-1132 Email us. Email is answered during our office hours, listed above. For - [The Floor Joist Installation](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/joists/) - Installing floor joists A floor joist installation presents some unique challenges not found in the wide-open, more flexible environment of the slab on grade installation. However, with a few guidelines, these challenges can be easily overcome. Check out our video Radiant Floor Heat Tubing Installation in Floor Joists, and read this page for a full - [Electric, Geothermal, and Wood Boilers](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/etc/) - Radiant Floor Company pioneered the use of on- demand, tank-less water heaters for radiant floor heating nearly 20 years ago when many in the heating industry believed that “on-demand water heaters would never work for radiant heat”...we disagreed! We've been doing this longer than anyone, with great success! EVERY heating unit that Radiant Floor company - [System Types](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/) - Our systems are manufactured in the USA!! We offer unlimited technical support ~ toll free 866-warm toes (927-6863) *We Ship World Wide ~ All 50 States, Mexico & Every Province of Canada* Many types of radiant heating systems are described in this section, along with numerous photos and schematics. Each system is a quality, low - [Prices & Quotes](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/) - Radiant Heating Prices & Sample Quotes What will it cost to install a radiant floor in your home? You can get a pretty good idea by viewing our price sheet and sample quotes. After that, it's a simple matter of filling out our Getting Started form and we'll design a system and quote you a - [The Heat Exchanger System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/the-heat-exchanger-system/) - Introduction This system uses an efficient heat exchanger to separate the potable domestic water supply from the floor's anti-freeze mixture. Only one heat source is used and the benefits of freeze protection can be fully utilized. However, always ask yourself, "Do I really need a heat exchanger?" Most often heat exchangers are used for freeze - [The Open System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/opensystem/) - Introduction The open system uses one heat source, your domestic water heater, to provide both floor heating and domestic hot water. The two systems are basically tied together. The same water that ends up in your hot shower or dishwasher, for example, has passed through the floor first. This is a very efficient system because - [The "Extras" Bag](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/extras/) - Every multi-zone system comes with a small bag of parts we call the "extras" bag. These components (see photos below) are an important part of the Zone Manifold, but are not INSTALLED into the Manifold when you receive it. That's because every installation is unique and only the installer knows whether to enter the manifold - [Installation Video](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/installation-video/) - Radiant Floor Company has created an installation Video, in a DVD format, to give you a clear visual picture of the installation process. It covers all phases of installing your own radiant heating system, including the slab on grade installation, installing PEX tubing within floor joists, the above floor "suspended slab" technique, and a step - [Frequently Asked (and Answered!) Questions](https://www.radiantcompany.com/faq/) - General Technical - [Tubing Specifications](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/tubing/) - The following outlines Radiant Floor Company's 7/8" Durapoly XL tubing specifications: PEX: Polyethylene is a highly useful and common material that is most set in pellet form. These pellets are often utilized in the making of milk and water cartons (and many other food item containers etc.). Pex is a standard "Industry" product, with a - [Design and Installation Manual](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/manual/) - All of the information in our installation manual is available on this web site. However, if you would like a printout of our manual, it is available below in pdf format. You may also request a free printed brochure and price sheet, which includes a printed manual. RFCManual_PDF_eBook PLEASE NOTE: This file requires a pdf - [Filling the Closed System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/fill/) - Air trapped within a closed radiant system is the most common cause of inefficient system performance. Fortunately, it's an easy problem to solve and won't become an issue at all if care is taken during the initial filling process. Take a moment to study the Expansion and Purge Kit . Hot water enters, travels through - [Tubing Layout Service](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/layouts/) - Radiant Floor Company will provide a detailed worksheet for your project explaining the amount of tubing in each zone, the spacing, gallons in the floor, heat loss, pump size and setting etc. and this is used in conjunction with our installation manual, installation video and website information. We can also provide drawings to assist with - [Above Floor/Sleeper/Suspended Slab Installation](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/suspended/) - Radiant tubing installed on top of an existing floor is called a "suspended slab". Especially with new construction, this method can make a lot of sense because the thermal performance of the finished floor rivals a "slab on grade" installation…..and it doesn't get any better than that. Unlike the staple-up within the floor joist method, - [Above Floor / Sleepers Installation](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/suspendedonslab/) - Many people with an existing, non-radiant slab would like to enjoy the benefits of radiant heat, but don't want to jackhammer their floor, haul away tons of concrete, and re-pour a new radiant slab. Can't say I blame them. The solution is a new suspended slab, of course, and one of the techniques for accomplishing - [Tank Type ~ Gas Water Heaters](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/gas/) - American ProLine Series EVERY heating unit that Radiant Floor company recommends and offers is “DESIGNED & RATED FOR SPACE HEATING”! These units are not your “typical” water heaters, so don’t let the compact size fool you! All of our heating units are manufactured to an industry standard of quality and reliability. These highly efficient heaters - [Oil/Kerosene & Biofuels ~ Water Heaters](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/oil/) - Radiant Floor Company pioneered the use of on- demand, tank-less water heaters for radiant floor heating nearly 20 years ago when many in the heating industry believed that “on-demand water heaters would never work for radiant heat”...we disagreed! We've been doing this longer than anyone, with great success! EVERY heating unit that Radiant Floor company - [Heat Sources](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/) - Our systems work with all types of heat sources. If you are in the market for a heat source, we sell or recommend a variety of water heating systems, including gas, oil, solar, on-demand, geothermal, wood and electric. EVERY heating unit that Radiant Floor company recommends and offers is “DESIGNED & RATED FOR SPACE HEATING”! - [Wiring Your Radiant System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/wiring/) - Standard Wiring Diagrams for I-Link Controllers Important note: Aside from the Electro boiler unit, there is no direct electrical connection between any I-Link Relay and any model of on demand water heater. The only electrical connection to the On Demand / Tankless water heater,... is the power (plug) to/from the unit (regardless of the number - [Installation Details](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/) - If you're one of the many do-it-yourselfers who appreciate step by step installation guidelines, this page is for you! We offer unlimited technical support ~ toll free 866-warm toes (927-6863) Of course, our technicians are always available to help you design a system specific to your particular situation. But these installation techniques will give you - [Connecting Adaptors and Couplings](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/adaptors/) - Adaptors Adaptors are the brass fittings used to connect PEX tubing to ¾" copper pipe. Since the adaptor is designed to sweat onto a stub of pipe, it can be used in conjunction with any fitting your installation demands...a copper tee, an elbow, or a coupling. To use an adaptor, first prep the fitting for - [Return Policy & Warranty](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/warranty/) - Return Policy Returns are subject to a 25% restock fee. No refunds after 90 days from date of purchase. Shortages and damages MUST be reported within 5 days of delivery. Our tubing is warrantied for a full 35 years. Our circulator pumps carry a manufacturer's warranty of 24 months from date of purchase. Our solid - [Method Details](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/) - Look here for details, details, details on the following types on installations and system wiring: Slab on grade The Floor Joist Installation Above Floor/Suspended Slab Installation Ledger method Wiring Your Radiant System Radiant Heat Solar Installation Details - [Soldering Tips](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/soldering/) - Clean pipe and fittings well Any plumber will tell you that cleaning is the key to making solid, leak proof connections while soldering copper pipes. Copper oxidizes. Over time the brilliant copper sheen is replaced by a dull brown coating of oxidation. Removing this coating is essential to creating a perfect plumbing connection. Plumber's sand - [Radiant Heating - The Floor Joist Installation Video](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/joists/joistvideo/) - [Grade Video](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/grade-video/) - Radiant Heating: The Slab on Grade Installation - Video - [Oasis Kennel](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/oasis/) - This is a Pet Resort in Newport, Vermont. This installation occurred in the summer of 2002, and includes a cozy heated slab for the comfort of canine visitors and a snowmelt outside the main entryway. The snowmelt not only eliminates shoveling of a high traffic area, but enables the owners to keep the walkway safe, - [This, That, and the Manual](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/etc/) - Extras Bag Connecting Adaptors and Couplings Tubing Specifications Design and Installation Manual Radiant Installation Photo Wall - [Useful Tips](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/tips/) - Soldering Filling the Closed System Tubing Layout service Building Inspectors and Code Issues - [Overheating Protection for Solar Collectors](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/solar/heatdump/) - During the long, hot days of summer, a solar water heating system generates enormous amounts of heat. At the same time, the demand for hot water is often at its lowest ebb. The combination of these two factors is a condition commonly called "stagnation". Basically, stagnation occurs when the solar storage tank heats up to - [Heating Water with Solar Energy](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/solar/) - Introduction Solar water heaters are commonly used as heat sources for radiant floor systems in regions where an abundant solar resource is available. Normally, a large solar heated storage tank (with electric, gas, or oil backup) supplies hot water to the radiant system and most often provides for domestic needs as well. Solar heaters interface - [The Ledger Method](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/legder/) - There are two primary situations in which the ledger method may work for you. The first would be an existing slab upon which you plan to add a joist floor. Let's say, for example, you were converting your garage into a new office. The garage is slab on grade and 8" below the level of - [Working in Winter](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/winter/) - [Radiant Installation Photo Wall](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/) - Here are some examples of installations by our customers, many very innovative. Oasis KennelA kennel in northern Vermont featuring a radiant slab and snow melt.Hamilton SunroomThe tubing installed in an unconventionally shaped slab.Don BruceA beautifully installed two zone heat exchanger system.John DuncanAn excellent above floor installation. This technique uses plywood sleepers custom fitted around a - [The Radiantly Heated Hot Tub](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/tubshots/) - [The Ledger Method](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/ledger/) - [The Nitty Gritty - Going to Extremes](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/extreme/) - Some of our customers will do anything for radiant heat. - [Hiding the Mechanical Components](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/heatx/) - [Barton Fairground](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/fair/) - Two unconventional variations of a standard radiant installation. - [John Duncan](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/duncan/) - An excellent above floor installation. This technique uses plywood sleepers custom fitted around a 1/2" PEX tubing layout. - [Don Bruce](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/bruce/) - A beautifully installed two zone heat exchanger system. - [Our Privacy Policy](https://www.radiantcompany.com/contact/privacy/) - We do not track or record anything about people who visit our web pages. We do not share any information about our customers with any other company or person. We do not use banners and do not accept payment to recommend other sites or products. We do not send unsolicited email to anyone. We send - [Solar Water Heaters](https://www.radiantcompany.com/heatsources/solar/) - We carry a full line of solar energy products. These systems are extremely well engineered. Some models use a small photovoltaic panel to power their circulating pump. Others use natural thermosiphon to circulate the water through the panel, thereby eliminating the need for ANY power source. If you're interested in a clean, reliable, and environmentally - [Thanks for your request!](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/thankyou/) - We have received your request for a brochure. Information will be in the mail to you within 72 hours. As always, feel free to call us for further information. Our business hours are listed under Contact Us. - [Thanks for your request!](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/thanks/) - We have received your request for a price quote. Quote requests are normally processed within 7 days. However, if your project requires more immediate attention, please contact us, toll free at (866) 927-6863, and speak with one of our technicians. As always, feel free to call us for further information. Our business hours are listed - [Radiant Heat with Solar Hot Water Evacuated Tube Ground Mount](https://www.radiantcompany.com/system/solar/evacuated/) - Mounting evacuated tube collectors on the ground requires some techniques not used for the traditional roof mounted application. Below are some photos illustrating, literally from the ground up, the steps involved. Even though 90% of all solar hot water systems use anti-freeze between the collectors and the solar heat exchanger (see schematic), the supply and - [Radiant Heat Solar Installation Details](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/solarinstall/) - Solar panels are practical anywhere the sun shines. The main question becomes: How many panels will I need? In the deserts of the American Southwest, and most southern regions of the country, three to five panels can provide enough hot water to supply up to 90% of all domestic hot water and space heating requirements. - [Notes on the Suspended Slab
](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/methods/suspended/suspendednotes/) - When radiant tubing is installed on an existing floor, it's called a "suspended slab". If you've decided that the suspended slab method is best for your application, but aren't sure which type of suspended slab to use, the following explanation may help. There are two primary methods of installation and each has advantages and disadvantages. - [Hamilton Sunroom](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/hamilton-sunroom/) - Tubing installed in an unconventionally shaped slab. - [Spencer Webb](https://www.radiantcompany.com/details/photowall/spencer-webb/) - Way too nice for a basement: It's obvious that our customers take pride in their work, but sometimes the level of artistry is stunning. You don't have to be a plumber to appreciate the exquisite symmetry of this installation, the attention to detail, the beautiful blending of form and function. Every element of this layout - [Dictionary](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/) - [Request a Radiant Heating Brochure](https://www.radiantcompany.com/prices/request_brochure/) - [Testimonials for Radiant Floor Company](https://www.radiantcompany.com/contact/contactabouttestimonials/) ## Glossary Terms - [Anti-freeze](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/anti-freeze/) - For the purposes of radiant heat, Propylene Glycol (non-toxic) is recommended, as this is most commonly used with heat exchangers for freeze protection or snow melt applications. Ethylene Glycol (automotive/toxic) is NOT recommended. - [Header](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/header/) - A copper supply line or return line used mainly in radiant staple-up systems. Basically an elongated site-built manifold, headers are useful because they allow the installer to tap off of a single, long copper line to feed multiple circuits of tubing within a single zone. Headers bring the heated fluid to the circuits instead of - [Dry Mix](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/dry-mix/) - A mixture of 4 parts sand and 1 part Portland cement often used as thermal mass in a "suspended slab" installation. For more information see The Suspended Slab in the Installation Details section of this site. - [Bleeding the System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/bleeding-the-system/) - Removing air from a closed radiant system using the Expansion and Purge Kit. For more information see Filling the Closed System in the Installation Details section of this site. - [Air Eliminator](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/air-eliminator/) - A device for removing small amounts of air from a closed radiant system. An important component of the Expansion and Purge Kit. - [Zone Manifold](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/zone-manifold/) - Most often a factory built manifold that contains the circulator pumps, ball valves, check valves, in line thermometers, pump flanges, drain valves, and all the plumbing hardware necessary to effectively distribute heated fluid to multiple heating zones. - [Zone](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/zone/) - Any heated area regulated by one thermostat and supplied by one circulator pump. One zone may contain many parallel circuits of tubing, literally thousands of feet of tubing, and encompass an entire living space, but the whole area will maintain the same, even temperature. - [Tubing Sizes](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/tubing-sizes/) - For most practical applications, two tubing sizes are best. 7/8" Poly and 1/2" PEX offer the greatest flexibility. The 7/8" Poly provides the highest heat output (50 BTU's per ft.) and can be spaced 16" on center. But a compromise is made when it comes to bending diameter. However, in a wide open slab environment, - [Thermal Mass](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/thermal-mass/) - In the context of radiant heat, materials capable of absorbing and storing heat energy. Concrete, sand, slate, and tile possess a greater thermal mass than wood. The greater the mass, the longer stored heat will remain in the floor. - [Suspended Slab](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/suspended-slab/) - A radiant floor system installed on top of an existing floor. For more information see The Suspended Slab Installation in the Installation Details section of this site. - [Supply Line](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/supply-line/) - Generally, an insulated copper line used to feed multiple circuits of tubing. Or, any water line running from the discharge side of a radiant circulator pump. - [Staple-up System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/staple-up-system/) - Tubing stapled to the underside of the sub-floor. For more information see The Floor Joist Installation in the Installation Details section of this site. - [Sleepers](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/sleepers/) - Strapping placed on an existing floor to create "sleeper bays" in which to run radiant tubing. Most often, 2 by 4's laying flat, 16" on center, act as the best sleepers. They raise the floor 1 1/2" and allow adequate room for even the largest tubing. Sand or concrete is generally placed over the tubing, - [Slab Manifold](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/slab-manifold/) - A copper manifold used to distribute heated fluid to a concrete slab. Slab manifolds come in many configurations, the simplest being the "1-loop" manifold. This is simply a supply connection to a single loop of tubing and its return. A "6-loop" manifold is generally the largest. Bigger than "6-loop", and the manifold becomes unwieldy. Imagine - [Return Line](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/return-line/) - An insulated copper line leading back to the heat source. - [Resistance](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/resistance/) - In radiant heating applications, resistance refers to pressure within multiple circuits of tubing. In practice, this simply means that all circuits should be the same length, within about 20-ft. No single circuit should be shorter than the others and thereby offer the water a path of least resistance to follow. With even circuits, water flows - [Radiant Barrier](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/radiant-barrier/) - Generally a paper thin, pure aluminum material used to reflect 97% of the infrared heat spectrum back up to the heated floor. For more information see The Floor Joist Installation in the Installation Details section of this site. - [Radial Flooring](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/radial-flooring/) - [R-value](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/r-value/) - A measure of a given material's ability to resist heat flow. Fiberglass has a very high R-value. That's why it's used in walls to slow the transfer of heat to the outside. Wood has a very low R-value. That's why the walls need the fiberglass. - [Pressure Testing](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/pressure-testing/) - A feature built into a slab manifold. It is used to test for leaks prior to pouring a concrete slab and for maintaining a positive pressure in the tubing during the pour. - [Pressure in System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/pressure-in-system/) - "Closed" radiant systems circulate the same fluid around and around in a closed circuit, using the fluid as a heat transfer medium. A "closed" system generally operates at a pressure of around 15-psi. "Open" systems are basically part of the domestic plumbing system. They operate at the same pressure as the house supply, generally around - [Poly Tubing](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/poly-tubing/) - Slang for Polyethylene tubing. Poly tubing retains many of the heat exchanging properties of copper, but exhibits much greater flexibility and longevity. Poly tubing will last well over 100 years in radiant heat applications. - [Open System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/open-system/) - A radiant system integrated into the home's plumbing system. In other words, the same water that ends up in your hot shower has passed through the floor first. Open systems use one heat source to heat both the floor and the domestic water. It's an efficient system because one properly sized water heater doing two - [Mixing Valve](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/mixing-valve/) - A device used to supply a consistent, lower, pre-regulated water temperature to a radiant system. Mixing valves are most often used in conjunction with high temperature boilers, many designed to heat water to temperatures in excess of 160 degrees. In radiant floor applications, mixing valves do not lower the boiler temperature. Instead, they are plumbed - [Loops](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/loops/) - See Circuit. - [Heat Source](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/heat-source/) - A water heater or boiler used to provide 120 to 130 degree water to a radiant floor. A heat source can be fed by any fuel, including gas, solar, wood, geothermal, oil, or electric. - [Heat Exchanger System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/heat-exchanger-system/) - A type of radiant heating system that uses a heat exchanger to separate the anti-freeze in the floor from the potable domestic hot water supply. This allows one heat source to provide hot water for both applications. - [Heat Exchanger](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/heat-exchanger/) - A device used in some radiant systems to separate dissimilar fluids such as anti-freeze and water. Heat exchangers transfer heat from one fluid to another without allowing direct contact between the fluids. - [Heat Diffusion Plates](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/heat-diffusion-plates/) - Pure aluminum plates, 16" long by 8" wide, used to attach radiant tubing to the underside of the floor to be heated. The thermal properties of aluminum guarantee that heat drawn from the tubing will transfer efficiently to the floor. - [Gypcrete](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/gypcrete/) - A lightweight concrete product often used when pouring a thin slab over an existing floor. - [Glycol](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/glycol/) - Anti-freeze, either Propylene (non-toxic/domestic use) or ethylene (toxic/automotive use) glycol. - [Expansion and Purge Kit](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/expansion-and-purge-kit/) - A factory assembled plumbing package containing fill and drain valves, expansion tank, air eliminator, pressure gauge, and pressure relief valve. Its function is to facilitate the removal of air from the newly installed radiant tubing and to maintain a balanced and efficient heating system. - [Expansion Tank](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/expansion-tank/) - A tank containing a pre-pressurized rubber membrane. It is used in closed radiant systems to absorb the expansion of water that results when liquid is heated from cold to hot. - [XPS Foam](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/xps-foam/) - Short for Extruded Polystyrene. A rigid insulation often called Pink board or Blue board and used to insulate around the edges of, and below, radiantly heated slabs. It is used primarily for its high R-value and resistance to water saturation. - [Closed System](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/closed-system/) - A radiant heating system that uses a dedicated heat source to warm a space. A closed system re-circulates the same fluid around and around in a continuous circuit, completely separate from the domestic water supply. - [Circulator Pump](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/circulator-pump/) - A small, low wattage water pump used to circulate heated fluid through tubing in a radiant system. - [Circuit](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/circuit/) - A length of tubing within a zone. Also called a "loop". Often, many circuits of the same length constitute a zone. - [BTU](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/btu/) - British thermal unit. A way of measuring heat energy. Or if you want to get technical: the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree F. - [Brass Couplings](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/brass-couplings/) - Brass fittings used to join two pieces of plastic heat exchanger tubing. - [Brass Adaptors](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/brass-adaptors/) - Brass fittings used to convert from 3/4" rigid copper pipe to plastic Polyethylene tubing. - [Recovery Rate](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/recovery-rate-3/) - Basically, how fast a water heater or boiler can heat water. Recovery rates are generally measured by how many gallons of water can be raised 90-degrees in one hour. If a water heater, for example, stores 50 gallons of water, a recovery rate suitable for radiant heating would be the ability to heat 1 1/2 - [Repair Coupling](https://www.radiantcompany.com/glossary/repair-coupling/) - A brass fitting used to repair a damaged section of radiant tubing, generally in a slab application. The coupling is sheathed with rubber tape to prevent the concrete from corroding the metal fitting.