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small load slab radiant

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bfrank164
bfrank164 Member Posts: 12
in THE MAIN WALL

I have about 288 square feet of slab radiant a customer wants to heat with hydronic radiant,the load is around 11000 btu.Any suggestions?Also may consider recommendind electri cable radiant but cocerned about high bills in winter.

Comments

  • DCContrarian
    DCContrarian Member Posts: 1,279

    Does the building already have a boiler?

    If not, the installation savings from electric cable will probably exceed the energy cost difference over its lifetime.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,028

    hydronic with a small electric boiler or 6 gallon tank wh. Then you have options for a heat source

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    GGross
  • DCContrarian
    DCContrarian Member Posts: 1,279
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1867305#Comment_1867305

    Note that there is zero savings on electricity cost vs electric cable in-floor. The installation is going to be substantially more expensive, if you ever lose power you run the risk of it freezing. I'll grant that it is more flexible in the future, you have to balance the pros and cons.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,028

    I have heard of many electric cable or mat system failing. Then your done. They finally started sending “loud mouths” with the Watts Radiant electric systems to alert you if a damaged cable durning tile application.

    If the radiant tube in your bathroom freezes you probably have bigger problems to worry about😮

    IMG_1173.png IMG_1174.jpeg
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    GGross
  • GroundUp
    GroundUp Member Posts: 2,432

    11k for 288 SF is ridiculously high; are you sure about that? A small electric boiler or WH are your options for hydronic. I wouldn't want a cable system in anything more than a bathroom retrofit, but that's just a personal preference. A BTU is a BTU so whether hydronic or cable, the fuel usage will be identical.

  • bfrank164
    bfrank164 Member Posts: 12

    thanks to all who responded

  • Dave H_2
    Dave H_2 Member Posts: 618

    For a small load and there is not already a boiler installed, I would look at a small electric boiler to get the size you need.

    Here is one option https://electromn.com/electric-mini-boiler/

    If there is a tank water heater, here is another option https://www.tacocomfort.com/product/x-pump-block/

    image.png

    Dave Holdorf

    Technical Training Manager - East

    Taco, Inc

  • Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Member Posts: 4,595
    edited October 17

    Janes Radiant sells kits for small systems.

    https://www.janesradiant.com/hot_water_radiant_systems.htm

    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab

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