Radiant heat installed in basement ceiling w/drop ceiling below

fedup1

Three years ago we moved into this home and wanted to retrofit or change from an oil system of heat and air condit. to radiant floor heat with pex between studs using a rheem combiboiler and propane. This was part of a basement remodel for which we wanted to We have underfloor radient heat installed betw studs with a drop ceiling installed below. This is a small ranch house with only 1 zone necessary.

The system was installed incorrectly by the contractor who said he had put one in his house(!). I have B4 and after photos, but suffice it to say the expansion tank was installed on the wrong leg of the water circulation system (supply side instead of return). Another HVAC Co. was called in, and that was straightened out, but a few months later we found that the Rheem circuit board malfunctioned with an error "defective" and so we had that replaced, and that HVAC technician failed to flip the dipswitch from gas to propane; that was corrected by the next HVAC-ers. Then an outdoor sensor was noted to be bad, and that was replaced. All the while, we were not enjoying warm floors, so WE installed heat plates (something we never knew about until we did some digging; and contractor sure gave any option in that regard), and while our efforts made the floor maybe uniformally warmer, we were still experiencing a lot of noise from two particular areas, - one being in the bedroom above and loud enough to wake you when the system calls for heat. All told, 4 different HVAC people have been here, and none have brought 100 percent solution. - only further headaches and drain on the wallet.

There are two areas where 2 (*)pex cross each other about 2 ft from an end loop, and sit on a galvanized air duct. Not sure if that is making the noise, but also noted is that the holes drilled for the pex, while large, seem to be tight because they pull tight against the inner most side of the holes. The only other insulation is the reflective 1/4" reflective insulation stapled in place. (no wool, just the reflective insul.)

Is there anything we can do to stop the ticking and tapping when the system calls for heat?

Note: The pex is the correct type, - 1/2" oxygen barrier, - at least they got that right.

hot_rod

So it is running on outdoor reset control? Limiting the temperature and temperature swings can help. If it is a single zone system, making it a constant circulation system could help

If the tube was not carefully installed, only so much you can do if it has been covered

Solid_Fuel_Man

Show us pictures of the boiler as well. 

Did you put plates everywhere? 

fedup1

Pex makes noise when expanding in the aluminum plates. Is there a way to quiet the pex?

fedup1

We tried to put plates in most places but some areas were not accessible.

hot_rod

It depends a bit on what plates you used. The extruded, heavy gauge types have a very tight fit to prevent the tube from moving

The thin, flashing thick Ed aluminum can be noisy. Both from tube movement and a crinkle sound of the aluminum in deforming.

Out of the pot into the fire🔥😳