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New Radiant Heat System Questions

flyingmeatball
flyingmeatball Member Posts: 44
edited April 2018 in Radiant Heating
Hello,

I'm reaching the end of the design of a new radiant heat system and I was hoping to get some feedback and ask a few (probably dumb) questions!

The project is a gut reno/addition - we bought a ~2400 sq ft house built in 1953 and basically removed everything but the foundation/unfinished basement. We are adding a second floor and expanding a couple rooms. It is now 3,500 sq ft with a second story. I have attached simple floorplans.

So far, here's what I have for radiant heat design:
--Total heat loss of the home is 105k BTUh.
--Looking at open system design.
--The plan is to do a thin-slab pour on the first floor - the current flooring has been taken down to the concrete panels (they didn't use wood - very sturdy). The second floor will be run between the joists with metal heat fins.
--I'm looking at four zones, two on the first floor, two on the top floor. The zones will be:
Zone 1: 780 sq ft (630 with piping - no pipes under showers, in closets, etc). Heat Loss of 17K. Consists of Master br, master closet, master bath, 1st floor guest bath and bed.
Zone 2: 1,145 sq ft (857 with piping). Heat loss of 40K. Consists of living room, dining room, kitchen, entryway, sun room, mud room.
Zone 3: 800 sq ft (750 with piping). Heat loss of 18K. Consists of den, office, laundry room.
Zone 4: 750 sq ft (700 with piping). Heat loss of 12k. Consists of two upstairs bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and loft.

Equipment I'm looking at so far:
Takagi TH3DV-NG on demand water heater
Everhart 1/2" oxygen barrier PEX tubing
Rifeng stainless steel manifolds
Grunfos stainless steel variable speed pumps

Questions:
--My circuits can only be 300 sq ft, where does that measurement start and end? From manifold back to manifold, or from water heater and back?
--My water heater and zone pumps are going to be located in the basement. That's pretty far from the top zones. Should I move the manifold for the circuits upstairs? If I do that, how does it impact my 300 ft circuit length? Do I need to add the copper distance from the pump to the manifold to the circuit? What's best practice between moving manifolds and "homerunning" as I've heard it called?
--In my master bedroom zone, the master bedroom itself is looking like it will require more flux than I think should be planned to output. It will take 41.77 btuH/sq ft, but the other parts of the zone (hallway, master closet, master bath, second bedroom) will require much less than they are suppled. To what extent should I assume that the heat will move from adjacent areas separated by interior walls? The bedroom itself has a crawlspace below it, no structure above it, 9ft ceilings, and a 16ft wide window wall. Should I just keep the same 10" tube spacing throughout the zone and maybe adjust the flow rate up slightly in the circuits going through the master bedroom and down for the other circuits, and then plan on having to use a secondary heat source in there, or can I safely micromanage the flooring to get it warm enough without having the flooring get too hot or the flow rate too fast?
--How should I account for heat loss from the unfinished basement, which I wasn't planning on heating? That area is included as a source of heat loss, but there is nothing in that area to offset - should I just apply that heat loss to the rooms directly above it?

Thanks so much for any assistance or insights!

Comments

  • JohnNY
    JohnNY Member Posts: 3,226


    Questions:
    --My circuits can only be 300 sq ft, where does that measurement start and end? From manifold back to manifold, or from water heater and back?
    Manifold to manifold. Read the numbers stamped on the tubing as a guide.

    --My water heater and zone pumps are going to be located in the basement. That's pretty far from the top zones. Should I move the manifold for the circuits upstairs? If I do that, how does it impact my 300 ft circuit length?
    If you can stay within your 300' tolerance, it's my preference that all the mechanicals stay in one place: the boiler room. If it helps with your loop lengths, which is often the case, move the pump and manifold closer to the areas they serve.

    Do I need to add the copper distance from the pump to the manifold to the circuit?
    No.
    What's best practice between moving manifolds and "homerunning" as I've heard it called?
    Copper. Large diameter PEX. Your call.



    --In my master bedroom zone, the master bedroom itself is looking like it will require more flux than I think should be planned to output. It will take 41.77 btuH/sq ft, but the other parts of the zone (hallway, master closet, master bath, second bedroom) will require much less than they are suppled. To what extent should I assume that the heat will move from adjacent areas separated by interior walls?
    The heat will not move to warm the undersupplied areas. You'll need supplemental heat in the Master Bedroom.


    The bedroom itself has a crawlspace below it, no structure above it, 9ft ceilings, and a 16ft wide window wall. Should I just keep the same 10" tube spacing throughout the zone and maybe adjust the flow rate up slightly in the circuits going through the master bedroom and down for the other circuits, and then plan on having to use a secondary heat source in there, or can I safely micromanage the flooring to get it warm enough without having the flooring get too hot or the flow rate too fast?
    --How should I account for heat loss from the unfinished basement, which I wasn't planning on heating? That area is included as a source of heat loss, but there is nothing in that area to offset - should I just apply that heat loss to the rooms directly above it?
    This is a tricky thing. I'd call the MB floor a cold partition and plan for something like the worst.

    Thanks so much for any assistance or insights!

    Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
    Consulting & Troubleshooting
    Heating in NYC or NJ.
    Classes
  • flyingmeatball
    flyingmeatball Member Posts: 44
    Thanks @JohnNY - two quick follow-up questions:

    1) If I move the manifold, do I have to move the pump with it or can I leave the pump in the boiler room?
    2) the "cold partition" for the basement runs under the entire first floor of the house, not just the MB. Is it best to adjust the manual J for every 1st floor room to account for that?
  • flyingmeatball
    flyingmeatball Member Posts: 44
    @Zman @Mark Eatherton thanks for the insights. I liked the open direct system because it was efficient to operate both radiant heat and DHW with a single high quality water heater. Is there a good way to do that without jumping all the way to the expense of a boiler?

    The radiant floors on the main level were planned for by the architect/structural engineer, so concrete weight shouldn't be an issue.
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    edited April 2018
    If you are insistent on that method, then a FPHX (double walled) is a must for the radiant side. This will not only protect the domestic side from bacteria, but will also allow the use of ferrous components on the radiant side. Provided of course you use O2 barrier pex.

    However the system efficiency will not be there.
    kcopp
  • DZoro
    DZoro Member Posts: 1,048
    Very good advise has been given :)
  • flyingmeatball
    flyingmeatball Member Posts: 44
    @Mark Eatherton Thanks for the insights - I'm not set on any one system - just trying to do my due diligence. I'm not looking to cut any corners, but I am looking to do the majority of the install myself - which has made it hard to find an affordable designer/engineer - all of the radiant people I've reached out to in the area also want to do the work.

    I have a detailed heat loss calculation done by a reputable company, which I have double checked with a second version I did on my own, zone/room requirements, and a rudimentary parts list. I also have my house fully entered into loopCAD, apart from the circuit layouts.

    DHW use isn't that much - just my wife and I and we're more shower than bath people.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    I realize it is hard to think of now, but you should consider the resale ability of what you are now building.
    Years down the road it is possible that Legionaries and other issues are at the top of the home inspectors list.
    If you have a traditional boiler with indirect tank then not only you have eliminated the bad water issue but most hydronic people could work on it. Also you would have DHW supply to satisfy the standard needs of most future owner. IMO as an "old guy".
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    edited April 2018
    Here’s what happens to an open system in the summer. You isolate your heating system, then that water lays stagnant in the tubing breeding bacteria until heating season. Then you open up the heating side, and all that stagnant bacterial saturated water hits the tank. Then you wash, and bath with it for a while. With a closed system it stays where it should, in the heating system.

    You can isolate that with a FPHX. However I think you need to look at the two systems, and compare costs. Is it worth the money saved for the extra maintenance, and risk of an open system? Is it worth passing it on to new owners in a sale?

    Radiant heat is a premium heating system when done right you can’t get around it’s cost. You can try, but you will be disappointed.
    DZoroRich_49
  • the_donut
    the_donut Member Posts: 374
    Lawsuits are more expensive than upfront costs if you sell. My 2¢.
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    edited April 2018


    Thanks so much for any assistance or insights!

    @Mark Eatherton Thanks for the insights - I'm not set on any one system - just trying to do my due diligence. I'm not looking to cut any corners, but I am looking to do the majority of the install myself - which has made it hard to find an affordable designer/engineer - all of the radiant people I've reached out to in the area also want to do the work.

    I have a detailed heat loss calculation done by a reputable company, which I have double checked with a second version I did on my own, zone/room requirements, and a rudimentary parts list. I also have my house fully entered into loopCAD, apart from the circuit layouts.

    DHW use isn't that much - just my wife and I and we're more shower than bath people.



    You should use my phone number to discuss . I have designs installed by others including homeowners / DIYers throughout North America . Maybe I can help or many others here who are comfortable with such situations
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
    CanuckerSuperTechMark Eatherton
  • flyingmeatball
    flyingmeatball Member Posts: 44
    Point taken by all - will go with a closed system. Thanks for the insights.
    SuperTechdelta TZman