in floor hydronic heating system design

rich48

I was wondering if anyone knows of information or where i could get good information on how to design an in floor radiant heating system for my house. Its a ranch house being built this summer and the basement cellar will have in floor heat also. thanks!

Rich_49

Will you be doing this yourself or will you have the plumber do it ?
Where are you located ?

the_donut

How informative do you want? Modern hydronic heating is very much an engineers approach to hydronic design.

HomerJSmith

Buy John Siegenthaler, PE, book "Modern Hydronic Heating" , latest edition, and read it over and over again until you understand how to construct a properly operating infloor hydronic sys. Don't get overwhelmed, it was written for 12th graders.

rich48

I will do that thank you very much!

Zman

As much as I love Modern Hydronic Heating, it is overwhelming to those who don't already have a strong math background and some expertise in the field.
I would start with this one from this sites founder https://heatinghelp.com/store/detail/hydronic-radiant-heating-a-practical-guide-for-the-nonengineer-installer

rich48

I just want information on where to look or who to get ahold of to get an idea of how to properly build an in floor hydronic system with all the correct components.

HomerJSmith

Just ignore the math, I never really understood it either and I read the book 4 times. It is much more than adequate to tell you how a system should be put together. But...the more information you have the more successful you will be, so, go with Zman's recommendation, too.

Ironman

The first thing you need is to do an ACCURATE, SCIENTIFIC heat loss calculation like an ACCA Manual J or equivalent. This is THE foundation for designing everything. Without it, you don't even have a target to shoot at.

As far as designing it yourself: if you're not mathematically and scientifically inclined, I would not recommend it. Even if you are, without trade experience, I wouldn't recommend it.

There are some very capable designers on here, including Rich McGrath and Zman. I'd highly recommend contacting one of them. That way, you'll get it done right and have the opportunity of learning at the same time.

Rich_49

HomerJSmith said:

Just ignore the math, I never really understood it either and I read the book 4 times. It is much more than adequate to tell you how a system should be put together. But...the more information you have the more successful you will be, so, go with Zman's recommendation, too.

No , don't ignore the math . DO THE MATH .

rich48

I’ll look into all the info I’ve received so far thanks! So I do HVAC for a living and I will be installing everything myself, I’ve just never done a radiant system. I live in upstate NY and it will be new construction.

HomerJSmith

Rich, don't get your knickers in a twist, it was a joke.

I know that Zurn, Wirsbo(now Uponor), and Rehau have design books with nomograms that do the math for you. You may find these online. They are packed with radiant heating design criteria and more easily understood.

http://www.zurn.com/media-library/web_documents/pdfs/zpm02101-pdf.aspx

https://www.uponorpro.com/~/media/extranet/files/manuals/heating_hb99_rprnt10-7.ashx?version=062220160829

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/9c73a879#/9c73a879/52

It all starts with a zone by zone whole house heat loss calculation.

hot_rod

Another option for some learning. Technical journals broken down into bite size pieces. Start with the Fundamentals issue #12 and jump around to the others that apply to your quest for information. Quick reads, lots of pictures and product options. PDF or hard copies available.

I have back issues if anyone is missing some.

https://www.caleffi.com/usa/en-us/technical-magazine

HomerJSmith

I wish Caleffi would print the Idronics magazine without legs, they always seem to walk off.