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Staple up

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Joe_76
Joe_76 Member Posts: 34
in THE MAIN WALL
Why is there such a discrepancy between BTU values per SQUFT for staple up with a reflective barrier. Each manufacturer uses a different value ranging from 15BTU to the Ipex program which I use that has a maximum of around 20 BTU SQUFT. Some figures even state more than 25BTU.

Thanks
Joe

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  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    I've seen claims as high as 50 btu/sq. ft!

    One rule of thumb is 2 btu for ever degree difference between the radiant surface temperature and the room air temperature.

    82 is about as warm as you would want the floor surface in a residence. Use an air temperature of 68.

    So 82- 68=14 time 2 btu/ sq foot comes out to 28btu/square foot. That seems to be a realistic number most will agree on for a comfortable radiant floor design.

    If you want more output either raise the floor temperature or maintain a lower room temperature. We do both on some large truck shops. Workers can be comfortable in a 65 degree space under moderate to heavy work. And floor temperatures can be a bit hotter if they are not standing bare footed.

    85 floor temperature with 65 air would give you a 40 btu/ ft output.


    I wouldn't count on that in a home. First you will have sweaty feet, and 65 air temperature will seem a bit chilly. I've found senior citizens like 72 air temperature, radiant or not.

    If you have a radiant desitgn software program you can run these "what if" scenairos

    Reflective insulation is a bit questionable from my experience. Rare to see it stay shinny and reflective, so that claim is questionable.

    Real hard to beat a conductive transfer afforded by transfer plates and a good r-value below. Save the reflective surfaces for your bathroom mirrors :)


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