basic heat outputs?

KW_2

I’m hoping someone can answer this basic question: I would like to know the BTU output one can expect with these various types of installations – I know that this is completely dependent on water temps, flow rates, floor coverings, etc which makes this somewhat unanswerable. I’m asking for a ‘typical’ install (recognizing that nothing is typical too!) – running water temps that are in the ideal range for a boiler, ¾” subfloor, engineered floating flooring above. I’m wondering about the following 4 installations – maybe someone could give a range of typical outputs?

underfloor suspended tube

underfloor staple up

underfloor staple up with AL transfer plates

above the subfloor sandwich with AL transfer plates

Thanks very much answering an 'unanswerable' question.

[Deleted User]

Remember this...

CONDUCTivity is the KING of heat transfer. Remember also that any un-necessary resistance to heat ransfer will impede heat transfer.

Using your examples, the plates on top of the floor would require the lowest temp, the suspended tube the highest temp, and every thing else is in between. Your mileage may vary... Water temps would vary between 85 degrees F for the above floor to as high as 180 degrees for the below floor depending on the variables. That's almost 100 degree spread.

Look into a material called WarmBoard at www.warmboard.com

IMPO, they have the leading edge on integrated engineered emitter output.

Many people tout staple up as beng less expensive. They obviously don't place any value on their skilled labor. They are obviously not paying the energy bills either.

When I design a system, I design it as if I am going to have to pay the bills, and I'm a professional tight wad.

There are other issues that surface (pun intended) with the differing methods, the most prevelant known as heat stripeing.

It's your money, and unless you're sitting on piles of cash, you have one chance to do it right. If you have to do it twice, it gets REAL expensive.

ME

Dave_4

KW it isnt really like your out put

varies with one or two variables,there is a bit more to it.*~/:)

the amount of emmitters their placement insulation available water temps and the like all combined are only a fraction of the consideration.

here is an example, a 2 million BTU boiler with 5 foot of radiant pannel in a closet some where doesnt mean you will get 2 megs out of the pannel and provide comfort throughout the home. where ever there is a hole heat escapes more rapidly any where there is lots of insulation the flow to the cold slows down.comfort is an entirely seperate matter, 2 megs in a hat closet wont do you much good , in someways there is no typical system. 20k btus spread all over the building at randome with various emmitters might be more comfortable and provide an easier means to heating a home albiet unique and oblique. or

"You Got Heat!"

" see yah !"

isnt quite the way these whole house systems are designed.