Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation 1 Jun 10, 2012 10:17 pm 2010, June : Land bought (1700sqm, battleaxe block). That's it so far! We're in the design phase .... Re: hydronic floor heating - what do you know?? 2Jun 10, 2012 10:36 pm The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: hydronic floor heating - what do you know?? 3Jun 11, 2012 9:17 am 2010, June : Land bought (1700sqm, battleaxe block). That's it so far! We're in the design phase .... Re: hydronic floor heating - what do you know?? 12Mar 11, 2014 2:22 pm Just bumping this old thread to see if anyone has any recent experiences with hydronic floor heating? I know technology can change rapidly and I'd love to hear if people are building with this heating now in 2014. Thanks Our build thread: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=69984 If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. Re: hydronic floor heating - what do you know?? 13Mar 20, 2014 8:11 pm I am planning to install hydronic heating. I understand how it works; have enjoyed it for many years in Germany, and simply love it. There are a few things that need to be understood to enjoy this system. Get an installer who knows hydronic heating back to front. Usually the decision is made to late in the building process. In-slab is not the best way of installing such a system, as the slab needs to be insulated against heat loss, hence, the pipes go onto the slab after insulation is put on the slab. The main disadvantage is cost; it seems it costs at least double what it costs in Germany. Builders shy away from such a system (never done, have not clue, too scared = charge an arm and a leg). Installers are usually no trained; most German (and in other countries) require the installer to attend training courses, which they don't due to the cost involved. This means they can't get the gear form these comapnies and resort to cheaper components, which do not provide the performance; on top of that, short-cuts are being undertaken (such as inferior insulation, inadequate manifolds and circulation pumps), leading to a significant underperforming system. It is not a system that is being switched on when required, but requires a lead time, which is usually achieved through some timer and int/ext temperature control. It is far more efficient than any other form of heating -- also being the most comfortable heat as Amadio commented. Carpet does not matter in the equation WRT efficiency and effectiveness; carpet may present a problem for allergic people, due to raising dust particles. The heat source can be anything, including solar hot water. Due to the significant cost, lack of knowledgeable builders, architects, engineers, and installers, hydronic systems are given the thumbs down in Australia. My system will be installed in a solar-passive house, above concrete slab, after insulation, covered in self-levelling screed, reinforced with steel mesh. A variety of floor coverings will be installed. The system is computer controlled, including preset schedules for weekdays, holidays, weekend schedules, etc. A percentage of heat will be generated by solar hot water, the rest will be surplus energy from the solar PV system. If required a wet back on a wood heater can contribute to the heating. And yes, I am owner-building... simply to get the quality I am after in the build. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good hydronic in slab heating speacialist who may be able to help me with an existing system and wether or not it may need a seperator… 0 5674 Currently renovating, and our main lounge is 5m x 10m, with a cathedral roof peaking at 6.5m high. Currently have tiles on concrete slab. Room is very hard to heat. I am… 0 5605 isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 18525 |