Electric radiant floor heating uses electric cables or mats installed beneath the flooring to generate heat. It’s energy-efficient and offers precise temperature control, making it suitable for various rooms. Installation cost varies depending on the system and floor type. It’s often used as a supplemental heating source and is ideal for bathroom and kitchen floors.
Electric Radiant Floor Heating Calculator
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Heating Element | Electric cables or mats |
| Installation Location | Under the flooring (tiles, laminate, etc.) |
| Heat Source | Electricity |
| Efficiency | Highly efficient |
| Temperature Control | Precise control with thermostats |
| Installation Cost | Varies based on system and floor type |
| Primary Use | Often supplemental heating |
| Suitable Rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, etc. |
| Warm-Up Time | Rapid warm-up time |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance required |
| Longevity | Long lifespan when properly installed |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy-efficient option |
| Zoning Options | Zoning for room-specific control |
| Installation Complexity | May require professional installation |
| Compatibility with Flooring | Compatible with various floor types |
FAQs
How do you calculate PEX floor heating? The calculation for PEX floor heating depends on factors such as the size of the area you want to heat, the desired temperature, insulation, and the layout of the PEX tubing. Typically, a rule of thumb is to use 10-15 feet of PEX tubing per square foot of heated space.
How much PEX do I need for radiant floor? Estimate approximately 10-15 feet of PEX tubing per square foot of radiant floor area.
How much PEX do I need for in-floor heat? Similar to radiant floor heating, plan for around 10-15 feet of PEX tubing per square foot for in-floor heating.
How many feet of PEX do I need for radiant heat? Assuming an average spacing of 6-12 inches between PEX loops, you may need around 100-200 feet of PEX tubing per 100 square feet of radiant heat area.
How much pipe per m2 for underfloor heating? For underfloor heating, estimate approximately 1-1.5 meters of PEX tubing per square meter.
How much heat is lost in PEX pipe? PEX has relatively low heat loss properties. Heat loss depends on factors like tubing diameter, insulation, and water temperature. On average, PEX may lose about 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5-1 degree Celsius) per 100 feet for a typical residential application.
Does PEX need to be sleeved in concrete? PEX tubing should be embedded in concrete using proper guidelines, but it does not necessarily need a separate sleeve unless required by local building codes.
Can regular PEX be used for radiant heat? Yes, regular PEX (PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C) can be used for radiant heat, but PEX-A is often preferred due to its flexibility and resistance to kinking.
What size PEX should I run? Typically, 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch PEX tubing is used for residential radiant floor heating. Larger diameters may be used for commercial applications.
Should I heat PEX to bend it? Yes, PEX should be heated to make it more pliable for bending. A specialized PEX bending tool or a heat gun can be used for this purpose.
How much does PEX expand when heated? PEX can expand by approximately 1 inch per 100 feet of tubing when heated to its maximum temperature.
How thick should a slab be for in-floor heating? The concrete slab for in-floor heating should typically be at least 2 inches (5 cm) thick, but the exact thickness can vary depending on factors like insulation and local building codes.
How long does PEX last in concrete? PEX can have a long lifespan, with estimates ranging from 25 to 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained in concrete.
What is the difference between PEX A and PEX B for radiant heat? PEX-A and PEX-B are two common types of PEX tubing. PEX-A is known for its flexibility, while PEX-B is more rigid. Both can be used for radiant heat, but PEX-A is often preferred for its ease of installation.
How far should PEX be buried? PEX tubing should be buried at a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm) to protect it from physical damage and temperature fluctuations.
Is 25mm insulation enough for underfloor heating? A 25mm insulation layer is generally considered adequate for underfloor heating, but thicker insulation may provide better energy efficiency.
Is 100mm insulation enough for underfloor heating? 100mm of insulation is a substantial amount and should provide excellent thermal performance for underfloor heating systems.
Can I use 10mm pipe for underfloor heating? Using 10mm PEX tubing for underfloor heating may be possible for small areas, but it’s not recommended for larger spaces due to limited heat output.
At what temperature will PEX burst? PEX tubing can typically withstand freezing temperatures below 32°F (0°C) without bursting, but the exact temperature can vary based on PEX type and manufacturer specifications.
Should you insulate PEX pipe? Insulating PEX pipes is recommended, especially in cold climates, to minimize heat loss and maintain water temperature.
What is the lowest temperature for PEX pipe? PEX can handle temperatures well below freezing, but it’s best to consult manufacturer specifications for the specific PEX type you’re using.
How deep should radiant tubing be? Radiant tubing should be buried at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) beneath the surface of the floor or slab.
Do I need to drip PEX pipes? Dripping PEX pipes can be necessary to prevent freezing in cold climates. Dripping involves allowing a small flow of water through the pipes to keep them from freezing.
Will PEX float in concrete? PEX tubing is typically heavier than water, so it should not float in concrete when properly installed and secured.
What is the best pipe for radiant floor heat? PEX tubing, particularly PEX-A, is commonly considered one of the best choices for radiant floor heating due to its flexibility and durability.
Can you run PEX to a boiler? Yes, PEX can be used to connect to a boiler for radiant heating systems.
Can you use PEX with radiators? PEX can be used with radiators, but it’s more commonly used with underfloor or in-floor heating systems.
Should you run PEX through I joists? Running PEX through I-joists can be done but requires proper insulation and securing to prevent damage and heat loss.
How far apart should PEX be in concrete? PEX tubing is typically spaced 6-12 inches apart in concrete, depending on the desired heat output.
What size PEX should run from meter to house? The size of PEX from the meter to the house depends on the water demand and local building codes. Common sizes are 3/4-inch and 1-inch PEX.
What causes PEX pipe to crack? PEX pipes can crack due to exposure to freezing temperatures, excessive UV exposure, or physical damage.
What is the right angle for PEX pipe? PEX can be bent to various angles, but it’s generally recommended to avoid sharp bends greater than 90 degrees to prevent kinking.
Why does PEX sweat? PEX may appear to “sweat” when cold water passes through it due to condensation forming on the exterior of the pipe in humid conditions.
Does PEX get brittle? PEX is known for its flexibility and resistance to becoming brittle, especially when exposed to cold temperatures.
Does PEX need an expansion loop? PEX typically requires expansion loops or fittings to accommodate thermal expansion and prevent damage.
Does PEX leak over time? PEX is designed to resist corrosion and leaks over time, but the quality of installation plays a significant role in its long-term performance.
Does radiant heat crack concrete? Properly designed and installed radiant heating systems should not crack concrete. However, poor installation or excessive temperature fluctuations can lead to issues.
What happens if the slab is too thick? An excessively thick slab for radiant heating may result in slower response times and reduced energy efficiency.
Do you have to screed over underfloor heating? Screeding over underfloor heating helps distribute heat evenly and provides a smooth surface for flooring. It is often recommended but not always required.
Can PEX last 100 years? While PEX is durable, predicting a lifespan of 100 years is challenging, as it depends on various factors such as water quality, installation quality, and usage.
How do you insulate a concrete slab for radiant heat? To insulate a concrete slab for radiant heat, place insulation boards or foam panels below the slab during construction to minimize heat loss.
What lasts longer, copper or PEX? Copper and PEX can both have long lifespans, but copper is known for its durability and can potentially last longer under certain conditions.
What is the best PEX for in-floor heat? PEX-A is often preferred for in-floor heating due to its flexibility and resistance to kinking.
Is PEX better than copper for heating? PEX is preferred for heating applications due to its resistance to corrosion and ease of installation.
Is radiant heat copper or PEX better? Both copper and PEX can be used for radiant heat, but PEX is often favored for its flexibility and ease of installation.
Does PEX need to be sleeved underground? PEX should be sleeved or protected when installed underground to prevent damage from soil movement and UV exposure.
Can PEX be direct buried? PEX can be directly buried, but it’s advisable to follow local codes and use PEX specifically rated for burial.
How long does PEX leach into water? PEX typically leaches minimal substances into water and meets drinking water standards. Leaching, if any, diminishes over time.
Should insulation go above or below underfloor heating? Insulation typically goes below underfloor heating to prevent heat loss downward.
What is the maximum pipe run for underfloor heating? The maximum pipe run for underfloor heating depends on factors like pipe size and heat output, but it is often limited to around 300-400 feet.
What size PEX for floor heat? 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch PEX tubing is commonly used for floor heating.
What is the minimum thickness for underfloor heating? The minimum thickness for underfloor heating depends on system design and local codes but is often at least 2 inches (5 cm) when using PEX tubing.
How does PEX do in the winter? PEX tubing can perform well in cold climates when properly installed and insulated to prevent freezing.
How much heat can PEX pipe withstand? PEX can withstand temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) or more, depending on the PEX type and manufacturer specifications.
Should I use PEX or PVC? PEX is typically preferred over PVC for water supply lines due to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion.
What are the disadvantages of PEX? Disadvantages of PEX include potential for rodent damage, sensitivity to UV exposure, and limited resistance to high temperatures compared to some other materials.
Does PEX need to be insulated under a slab? Insulating PEX under a slab can help improve energy efficiency, especially in cold climates.
What is the temperature rating of PEX pipe in Celsius? PEX pipe typically has a temperature rating of up to 93-100°C (200-212°F).
Does PEX crack in cold weather? PEX is resistant to cracking in cold weather, but extreme temperature fluctuations and physical damage can still pose risks.
Does PEX need to be sleeved in concrete? PEX tubing should be protected when embedded in concrete, but it does not necessarily need a separate sleeve unless required by local building codes.
How thick does concrete need to be for radiant heat? The thickness of concrete for radiant heat depends on factors like insulation and local codes but is typically at least 2 inches (5 cm).
Are PEX pipes less likely to burst? PEX pipes are less likely to burst compared to rigid materials like copper, especially in freezing conditions, due to their flexibility.
Where should you not use PEX? PEX should not be used for applications where it may be exposed to high temperatures, such as near open flames or in direct sunlight without proper UV protection.
Can you run PEX through PVC? Running PEX through PVC conduits or sleeves can be done to protect the PEX tubing, but it’s essential to follow local codes and guidelines.
Can you use regular PEX for radiant heat? Yes, regular PEX (PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C) can be used for radiant heat, but PEX-A is often preferred due to its flexibility and resistance to kinking.
How long does PEX last in concrete? PEX can have a long lifespan, with estimates ranging from 25 to 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained in concrete.
Can PEX be connected directly to a water heater? PEX can be connected directly to a water heater, but it’s essential to use the appropriate fittings and follow local plumbing codes.
Can you use PEX on a wood boiler? PEX can be used with wood boilers for hydronic heating systems, but proper insulation and installation are crucial for efficiency and safety.
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