Radiant room temp compared to forced air temps

Simply Rad_2

I have a customer with a baby. He stated that he normally sets his babies bedroom at 76 degrees with forced air. I have seen information stating that 65 radiant heating is equivalent to 72 degrees with forced air. SO then would 69 degrees radiant be equivalent to 76 forced air(just add 4 degrees). I cannot find any information stating the fact of 65 degrees radiant is equivalent to 72 forced air, does anyone have this on paper.
Thanks Jeffrey

Unknown

It's not equivalent. It depends heavily on the envelope. FHA could raise the MRT of a VERY well insulated home if run consistently and well over time, and that space would be nearly as comfortable as a radiant system. That's one example.

I would never use this claim for sales purposes. Stick to being able to do a 76 degree room temperature more efficiently, perhaps, or other factors of comfort beyond air temperature such as MRT, and asking questions about times that they might have felt chilly and looked and lo and behold, thermostat says it's 70... but they AREN'T COMFORTABLE.

In the field people are not generally keeping their radiant at 65 degrees whether it's "equivalent" or not. They were uncomfortable before and didn't realize it, and now are a comfortable 70. At least that is what most radiant owners seem to do..

heatboy

I design to.......

......72°F indoor regardless of the type of system. I don't buy the 65° is comfortable with radiant notion. You want it cooler? Turn down the stat.

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Simply Rad_2

What to do.

This customer said he sets his thermostats at 76 degrees with his forced air system. Do I design for 76 degree room temp. I designed for 70 and always have. Jeffrey

Unknown

Design for 76. "more comfortable" or not, you have no control over this guy's psychology and if he thinks he needs to be at 76 to be "comfortable", he'll do it.