What are dry hydronic radiant floor heating systems?
A dry hydronic radiant floor heating system consists of a radiant heating system beneath a finished floor without any covering material over the tubing. Different types of radiant floor heating are available from various manufacturers. Some systems have radiant floor tubing placed above the floor or sandwiched between two layers of plywood, while others have tubing placed below the floor and under the sub floor.
In hydronic radiant floor systems, heated water is pumped through the tubing, which is looped beneath the finished floor. Hot water flowing through the tubes heats the surrounding air. Because it is at a high temperature, the floor radiates energy that heats up the air in the house.
Types of Hydronic dry systems:
Above-floor systems consist of the sub floor above and below the finished floor installation. A grooved wooden panel is installed beneath the finished floor. Cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) is inserted in the panel grooves that sets flush with the panel surface. The panels can take a variety of floor coverings including tile, marble, vinyl, wood, and carpeting.
Below floor radiant systems
Below floor systems are installed under a sub floor where the PEX tubing is either attached to the bottom of the sub floor or suspended from the sub floor. This system has proved to be popular with people going for retrofits and saves on installation costs as compared with above floor systems. Below floor systems need a higher source temperature in order to perform competitively with above floor systems.
Above floor radiant systems
Above floor system panels are available in 7 x 48-inch or 10 x 48-inch and ½-inch thick sizes. These panels can be purchased singly or in accordion type. The accordion type consists of six panels of desired width taped together. When unfolded, they cover a large surface area. This floor system features grooves for 5/16-inch PEX tubing. The panels are covered with aluminum on the underside. One hundred and eighty-degree return panels are offered in 7- and 10-inch width sizes.
Dry radiant floor systems facilitate even heating over the entire floor area. In these systems, heat is radiated from the floor warming objects near floor level unlike in forced hot air systems where heated air rises to the ceiling.
Advantage of a radiant floor heating system:
Radiant floor heating systems have other benefits besides heating—they also eliminate dust, draft, and noise problems that go with forced air systems. They are also more aesthetically appealing than other forms of heating as there are no heat registers or radiators to obstruct interior designs. Radiant floor heating is estimated to save energy by reducing energy bill expenses to the extent of 20 to 40 percent of the energy bills.
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