PEX Radiant Floor Heating Calculator
FAQs
How much PEX do I need for my radiant floor heating? The amount of PEX needed for radiant floor heating depends on factors like room size, layout, and spacing. You’ll need to calculate the total length of tubing required for your specific project.
Can you use 3/4 PEX for radiant heat? Yes, 3/4 inch PEX is commonly used for radiant floor heating systems, especially in larger areas that require higher heat output.
How do I calculate BTU for radiant floor heating? To calculate BTU for radiant floor heating, multiply the area of the room in square feet by the desired temperature increase in Fahrenheit, and then by a heat loss factor.
How do you calculate radiant floor heating? Radiant floor heating calculations involve determining the heat load, pipe length, spacing, flow rates, and temperature differentials for your specific project. Professional software or tools are often used for accurate calculations.
How much heat is lost in PEX pipe? The amount of heat lost in PEX pipes depends on factors like pipe size, insulation, ambient temperature, and flow rates. Proper insulation can minimize heat loss.
How far apart should radiant tubing be in a slab? The spacing of radiant tubing in a concrete slab typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the heat output required and the type of installation.
Can I use regular PEX for radiant heat? Regular PEX (Type B) can be used for radiant heating, but PEX specifically designed for radiant heating (Type A) is recommended for its enhanced flexibility and durability.
What size pipe is best for underfloor heating? The pipe size for underfloor heating systems often ranges from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, depending on the heat load and spacing.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water? Yes, blue PEX is typically used for cold water lines, while red PEX is used for hot water lines. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How many BTU per square foot for radiant floor heat? The BTU per square foot for radiant floor heat varies, but a common range is around 20 to 40 BTU/sq ft.
How thick can a floor be for radiant heat? The floor thickness for radiant heat systems depends on factors like insulation and tubing type. It’s typically between 1.5 to 2 inches.
What is the rule of thumb for BTU? A rule of thumb is to calculate BTU by multiplying the room area by the desired temperature increase and a heat loss factor, typically around 20 to 30 BTU/sq ft.
What temp should radiant floor be? Radiant floor temperatures are often set between 80°F to 85°F for comfort.
How many watts per square foot for radiant floor heating? Radiant floor heating is often designed for around 10 to 15 watts/sq ft.
How many watts per square foot for heated floor? For heated floors, the wattage typically ranges from 10 to 15 watts/sq ft, depending on the heat load.
What temp is PEX good for? PEX can handle temperatures up to 200°F or more, depending on the type and manufacturer.
At what temperature will PEX burst? PEX burst temperatures can vary by type. PEX-A is more flexible and can handle freezing temperatures better than PEX-B or PEX-C.
Should you insulate PEX tubing? Insulating PEX tubing is recommended to prevent heat loss and improve system efficiency.
How thick should a concrete slab be for radiant heat? The concrete slab thickness for radiant heat systems is typically around 4 to 6 inches.
How many loops should be in floor heat? The number of loops in a radiant floor heating system depends on factors like room size, layout, and heat load.
What PEX is best for radiant heat? PEX-A is often considered the best choice for radiant heat due to its flexibility and durability.
What do PEX colors mean? PEX colors, like red and blue, indicate hot and cold water lines respectively.
What is the difference between PEX A and PEX B for radiant heat? PEX-A is more flexible and durable than PEX-B, making it suitable for radiant heat applications.
What is the longest run for underfloor heating? The longest run for underfloor heating depends on factors like pipe size, flow rates, and system design.
What is the most efficient underfloor heating layout? A well-spaced serpentine or spiral layout is often efficient for underfloor heating.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX? Crimping and clamping are both acceptable methods for securing PEX fittings, but the method depends on the type of PEX and the fitting used.
Is PEX A or B cheaper? PEX-B is generally cheaper than PEX-A due to differences in manufacturing processes.
Do you need insulation under radiant floor heat? Insulating under radiant floor heating helps minimize heat loss and improve system efficiency.
What is the maximum loop length for radiant flooring? The maximum loop length for radiant flooring depends on factors like pipe size, heat output, and design.
How many BTU do I need to heat 1500 square feet? The BTU needed to heat 1500 square feet depends on factors like insulation and climate. A rough estimate is around 30,000 to 45,000 BTU.
What is the best floor over radiant heat? Tile and stone are popular choices for flooring over radiant heat due to their good heat conductivity.
Does radiant heat ruin hardwood floors? Radiant heat can be used with hardwood floors, but it’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations and control temperature changes.
Does radiant floor heat increase home value? Radiant floor heating can be an attractive feature that increases home value.
What if BTU is too high? An excessively high BTU may lead to overheating and discomfort. Proper sizing is important for energy efficiency and comfort.
How many BTUs should you have per square foot? The recommended BTUs per square foot depend on factors like insulation and climate. Generally, around 20 to 40 BTU/sq ft is common.
How many BTUs is 500 square feet? For 500 square feet, the BTU requirement can vary, but a rough estimate is around 10,000 to 20,000 BTU.
What is a comfortable heated floor temperature? A comfortable heated floor temperature is often set between 75°F to 80°F.
What are the disadvantages of radiant heating? Disadvantages of radiant heating include higher installation costs, slower response times, and potential difficulty in controlling temperatures.
Should radiant heat go above or below subfloor? Radiant heat can be installed both above and below the subfloor, depending on the system design.
How many watts do I need to heat 1500 square feet? To heat 1500 square feet, you’d need to calculate the total heat load and choose an appropriate wattage per square foot.
Which is better 150w or 200w for underfloor heating? The choice between 150W and 200W depends on factors like insulation, desired heat output, and room layout.
How many kW do I need for underfloor heating? The kW needed for underfloor heating depends on the total heat load of the area.
What is the rule of thumb for watts per square foot? A common rule of thumb is to use around 10 to 15 watts per square foot for underfloor heating.
How do you calculate in floor heating? Calculate in-floor heating by determining the total heat load of the space and selecting an appropriate heating system.
How hot is too hot for PEX pipe? PEX pipes can handle temperatures up to their rated limits, which depend on the type of PEX (A, B, or C) and manufacturer specifications.
What is the difference between PEX A and PEX C? PEX-A and PEX-C are different manufacturing methods. PEX-A is cross-linked using the Engel method, while PEX-C uses the silane method.
What is the difference between PEX A and B PEX? PEX-A is more flexible and has shape memory, while PEX-B is slightly stiffer and may require additional fittings for complex installations.
Is PEX really better than copper? PEX offers advantages like ease of installation, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. Copper is known for its durability and long history of use.
Does PEX get brittle over time? PEX pipes generally do not become brittle over time, but exposure to UV light and certain chemicals can affect their longevity.
Where should you not use PEX? PEX should not be exposed to direct sunlight or used for hot water above its rated temperature.
Does PEX need to be insulated under a slab? Insulating PEX under a slab can help minimize heat loss and improve system efficiency.
How long will PEX tubing last? PEX tubing can have a lifespan of 50 years or more, depending on factors like quality, installation, and usage.
How far apart should radiant tubing be in a slab? The spacing of radiant tubing in a concrete slab typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the heat output required and the type of installation.
How far apart should PEX be in concrete slab? PEX tubing spacing in a concrete slab depends on factors like heat output requirements and layout. Spacings of 6 to 12 inches are common.
Does radiant heat crack concrete? Properly designed and installed radiant heating systems should not cause concrete to crack.
What is the best flooring for concrete slab with radiant heat? Tile, stone, or engineered wood are popular choices for flooring over a concrete slab with radiant heat.
How many square feet will 300 feet of PEX cover? The coverage area of 300 feet of PEX depends on the spacing and layout used. Professional heat load calculations are recommended.
Can I use regular PEX for radiant heat? Regular PEX (Type B) can be used for radiant heating, but PEX specifically designed for radiant heating (Type A) is recommended for its enhanced flexibility and durability.
Is it OK to use blue PEX for hot water? Yes, blue PEX is typically used for cold water lines, while red PEX is used for hot water lines. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What do the numbers on PEX pipe mean? The numbers on PEX pipes indicate the nominal diameter of the pipe.
Can I use PEX B for radiant heat? PEX-B can be used for radiant heat, but PEX-A is often recommended due to its superior flexibility and durability.
Is PEX A or B cheaper? PEX-B is generally cheaper than PEX-A due to differences in manufacturing processes.
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