Radiant Panel Question

Brad White

Post some pictures if you would, both in-progress and the final product!

I figured you knew what you were doing. Just had to outline for the benefit of others.

Matt_51

Rad Panel issues

I am looking at replacing my scorched air system with hot water radiant panel system. I am concerned about two issues. First, should the panels be mounted in places where they can not be bumped into to avoid burns?
Second, in a room with two exposed walls should I install two smaller panels or would one larger one suffice. I am worried about evenly heating the room.

Weezbo

That sounds like a real smart decision.

The temps of rad panels don't have to be sized for the Greatest Production at the highest temps . given that, often , a panel by near under a window allows the panel some slightly favorable environment in its operational function.

the room may not have any windows though like in a log cabin or some unconventional construction of some sort, log cabins likely will have variations across the entire wall to the exterior so, sometimes you can use slightly different ideas.

like the rooms general use, by whom and when and basically what kind of activity level and or what types of clothing that they may have er..available whilst carrying on these activities within the room

Some rooms say like a reading room, may have the walls plastered with book cases and some favorite corner with a comfortable chair light and desk...depending how long you are going to be reading ...you might want to locate the rad sorta close to that area and call it a good thing

Brad White

Weezbo has the great sense of good comfort..

Nice reading nook image there, Weez!

Maulerman, you are in a great position in that you can create the system you want from scratch.

Firstly, yes, do as accurate a heat loss as you can. This is also a great time to seal and insulate the house if you have not already done so. This means a lower cost installation and savings for the life of the system. Take that into account.

Secondly, select your radiation for the lowest water temperatures you can afford. This means bigger radiators of course. I find a 140 degree entering water temperature (120 to 130F average or mid-point temperature) to be optimum for my designs.

Thirdly, select the boiler you want which most closely matches the heat loss requirements. Set it up for low temperatures, meaning a Modulating Condensing boiler if you have gas, or a split primary-secondary arrangement if cast iron or you are burning oil.

Fourthly and by no means last, place the radiators below windows or where there is the greatest heat loss. Allow that up-flow of warmed air and radiant effect to warm you and create a barrier between you and the outdoors.

As for burning oneself, lower water temperatures will not prevent that but will minimize it, especially if you use outdoor reset, using milder water temperatures in milder weather. There are panel radiators which have a buffer space (Runtal makes such a line for one) which is good if you have a hospital or nursing home.

Remember too that steam radiators have been used for years. If anyone touched one, they got burned, but only once.

Unless your kids are Emo's and prone to self-destruction, the lessons of a hot radiator are singular and self-evident.

J.C.A._3

I couldn't agree more...

Brad laid down the rules, follow them.

Figure your heatloss at 140°, size appropriately... and you're golden.The panels will be bigger, but the right boiler will be working less to get your temps where you need them.

Show us the pictures....Chris

Matt_51

Thanks Guys! My previous message was brief.

Yes, I plan on 140 max inlet temp, maybe even less.

I ahve already done the heat loss on the structure and it is well insulated (14" plus cellulose in attic) and well sealed.

I am not against larger panels and lower temps and was planning on mounting them below the windows.

A Mod/con boiler is in the works.