Radiant Heat Expert

Entries categorized as ‘Radiant Floor Heating’

Do You Have Cold Feet? You Can Fix Your Cold Feet With Your Own Warm – Hydronic Heat System

June 15, 2008 · Leave a Comment

So – How Do I Get My Own Hydronic Heat System?

You probably found this article by searching for “hydronic heat” or some other similar search term.

As you’re continuing to research this topic, you may also want to look up terms like: “radiant floor heat” “radiant floor heating” “radiant heat” and “radiant heating.”

Those are popular terms in the “radiant heat” niche.

It’s probably safe to say – this isn’t the first piece of information you found. Certainly, it won’t be the last. That’s okay – you’re in the process of finding out as much as you can about radiant floor heating and how you can benefit from a hydronic heat system.

You’re finding there’s a lot of information available out there – really, an overwhelming amount – and it’s hard to take it all in. And while you’re researching and reading, you’re finding conflicting opinions and approaches that make it even more confusing.

I can’t help that, but don’t worry – there are reasons for the discrepancies. Most of it stems from variations on radiant design approaches. Like a lot of other professions – radiant designers get used to doing things a certain way and using certain equipment. As technology evolves, they tend to stick with what they know – and gradually there is a divergence in how hydronic heat is approached.

A competent radiant designer will be able to explain the approach they are using and adapt their approach to your preferences. Regardless of the radiant design techniques employed – having helped thousands of customers; I’ve noticed a trend in the purchasing process over the years. And that’s what this article is focused on – an overview of the 6 basic steps taken by the purchaser when buying a radiant heating system.

Step 1:

Gain a basic understanding of radiant heating – determine if this is a project you can do yourself or what level of installation assistance you may need.

Step 2:

Identify possible suppliers – assess their qualifications and match them up to your expectations.

Step 3:

With the help of your supplier(s) analyze your requirements – determine your project needs and address any initial concerns:

Step 4:

Specify and Design your radiant system. At this point, your supplier should be able to provide you with a system quote and offer any possible options. This will help you with any project budget considerations.

Step 5:

Select your supplier – Make your purchase – schedule your shipment.

Step 6:

Inspect your system upon arrival – Install your new hydronic heat system. Your supplier should be able to offer some kind of technical support as needed.

Steve Haldi is a Radiant & Hydronic Heat System Designer and Consultant
For a more in depth look at the steps outlined above and help with your own hydronic heating system, please check out: Buying Your Own Hydronic Heat System

Categories: Radiant Floor Heating · Radiant Heat · radiant floor heat
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Most Requested Features in New Homes – 2007 – Radiant Floor Heating in Top 10

May 9, 2008 · Leave a Comment

I found a quick little article on the roomplanners.com website. Their focus is more on room planning, but the data they shared is definitely encouraging for anyone interested in radiant floor heat.

Energy Efficiency and Radiant Floor Heating are Priorities

According to a 2008 Market Trends Survey by Residential Design Build magazine (Apr 08), the following were the most asked-for features in new homes in 2007. Of the top 10, #2, #9, and #10 are directly or indirectly related to radiant floor heat:

1. 37% said a multi-purpose family/media room
2. 34% said energy efficiency
3. 33% said a home office
4. 26% said a great room
5. 25% said outdoor living space
6. 22% said a lower-level master suite
7. 21% said a home theater
8. 13% said a finished lower level
9. 10% said a tankless water heater
10. 10% said radiant floor heating

Categories: Radiant Floor Heating · radiant floor heat
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Avoid A Radiant Heat Disaster

April 17, 2008 · 5 Comments

Nothing beats the comfort of a radiant heating system – ask anyone who’s ever enjoyed the many benefits of radiant heat, there’s just nothing else that compares. And it is possible for the average homeowner to install their own radiant floor system. It’s easier when you’re dealing with new construction, but existing homes can usually be retrofitted with a radiant floor heating system.

So how does one figure out what’s really important when it comes to a new radiant heating system?

Over the years, I’ve arrived at the following list of priorities:

1) Information – it’s important to get a hold of all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
2) Design – save yourself a lot of future headaches, have a radiant heat expert help you with your system design and tubing layout.
3) Quality Components – there’s nothing wrong with finding a good deal, but in a lot of cases you DO get what you pay for.
4) Support – If you’ve never installed your own radiant heating system before, you’ll need help – find a supplier who will be there for you when you need it most.

If you’d like to “drill-down” into this list and get a more in-depth look at how to avoid problems with your radiant heat system, click hear to avoid radiant heat disasters.

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Categories: Radiant Floor · Radiant Floor Heating · Radiant Heat · Radiant Heating
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The greenest house in San Francisco

April 17, 2008 · Leave a Comment

“Just imagine a home for a family of 5 with all the amenities one could ask for: integrated wiring, gourmet kitchen, radiant heated floors, wine cellar, and spacious rooms totaling 2600 square feet all under one 18
’ x 50’ roof that produces more electric energy from the sun than is needed, and harvests enough rain water to flush toilets, wash…”

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Categories: Radiant Floor Heating
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In-floor radiant heat: a home improvement-remodeling project you’ll love

April 17, 2008 · Leave a Comment

This is a great article for anyone looking to renovate thier home and add in-floor radiant heat. I highly recommend it. I have it in my home and it’s great

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Categories: Radiant Floor Heating · Radiant Heat
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