Good info. source on radiant heat
I have to start somewhere learning about infloor hydronic radiant heat for a slab foundation application under ceramic tile. Can anybody suggest reference books or websites where I can both dip a toe in the water and also have the whole shebang at my fingertips as needed? I can’t learn it all as fast as I need to, but I need to know some of it now.
Replies
Wirsbo has a book, Complete heat design manual or something like that.
It's everything you need to know for pretty cheap on Ebay.
Look for Wirsbo, it will turn up in a day or two if it's not there now.
Joe H
Thanks, I'll look for it.
I learned a lot from reading at http://radnet.groupee.net/eve/forums/a/frm/f/4771065301 and http://www.heatinghelp.com/.
The "John Bridge Tile Forum" covers it from that direction. Helpful start: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=43111
Great! Thanks, I'll dig in.
This is older stuff, it's where I got started on my radiant in a complete renovation.
Siegenthaler wrote a book, Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, that is expensive, but i borrowed it from someone. Very useful.
But wait! There's more! <G>The free, downloadable "Slant Fin Heat Loss Calculator" program will tell you how many BTU's you'll need in each room. I hope you have high-speed internet!http://www.slantfin.com/heat-loss-software.html
Good forums. I'll hang out and search some there. Will have to wait for a bargain price (if ever) on a used copy of Sigenthaler's book on amazon.com. Looks like "the Bible".Thanks. North GA gets colder than folks think, it just doesn't last as many months. Once the rich who are moving up here get a taste of radiant they'll never go back!
The Wirsbo manual is good. My dealer gave me a copy for free. (Well, "free" if you don't count the $6 grand or so I spent in his shop.) ;-)
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
EDIT: Oh, and besides the book, the dealer was VERY helpful with all aspects of the job. He more than earned his margin just in the education I got. Finding a good supply source should definately be high on your list.
Edited 8/30/2007 7:54 am ET by MikeHennessy
You are in Pittsburgh, who did you use for a supplier?
Energy Reduction Co. on Rte 51 near "da rocks". Good guys.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
I figured from the way you spoke of them it had to be ER.. .I have, over the last 6 years, found Mark to be highly informative and helpful. I will be ordering the RH as well as the domestic water supply from Mark, and yes they ship to FL.
I was gonna ask why you asked, after seeing you are in Florida. The extra shipping will be more than offset by the support you get from ERCo.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Believe me, the price I get out of ER is worth it even if I didn't get the great help. I guess I have been buying for more than 6 years. Used them to help design systems in VA, Maryland, MI WV and Fl. Sometimes they ship and somtimes I stop and pick it up, but that was when they had the great candy store accross the street. I have not been to the new location.
"somtimes I stop and pick it up, but that was when they had the great candy store across the street."
Uh, er, that's the Ohio River across the street. (Strange taste in "candy".)
"I have not been to the new location."
Doh! THAT explains it!
Doing this system with PEX was my first foray into that plastic plumbing modern miracle. I used it for all the plumbing in the addition where I was installing the radiant heating, and now I'm sold. I'll use a torch again only when they pry my Wirsbo expander from my cold, dead hands! ;-)
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA