Closed Loop Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Types of hydronic floor heating systems image credit.

Closed loop radiant floor heating systems.

Several decades ago pex replaced polybutylene pb in open loop and closed loop radiant heating installations and the landscape of geothermal heating systems changed forever. I used zip ties to tie down the pex pipe. Radiantec recommends using a quality domestic water heater instead of a boiler in underfloor radiant heating systems. The decision is strictly up to the consumer for which they prefer.

There are essentially two different methods using a hydronic radiant floor heating system an open loop or a closed loop process. Closed systems are familiar to code officials and contractors and they encounter little resistance. Alternately a utility transfer pump not a sump pump can be used to pump fluid into the system and evacuate the air we recommend a powerful utility pump like the wayne ec 50 or the wayne pc 4 or an equivalent pump like the utilitech 5 hp cast iron transfer pump all of which can generate up to 45 psi. Manifolds and control systems connected to in floor radiant heating.

As per the diagram plan all the pipes end in the utility core to be attached to the radiant floor system inside. These are only a few basic systems. More advanced systems include industrial process equipment medical applications dehumidification coils and units and other hydronic heating applications. Many reasons have contributed to this evolution but the change was inevitable.

This i have personally seen being done around my neck of the woods. You can combine a closed radiant system with baseboard radiators. An open radiant floor heat system is one in which the potable water that serves the drinking and bathing needs of the house is also used to heat the floors. The system requires an expansion tank.

Closed loop and open loop systems will remain at the foundation of any radiant heating system. The above procedure can be followed to eliminate all air from the system. If you want to create an argument amongst radiant floor heat installers bring up the subject of open radiant heat systems. Air vents remove any trapped air in the.

Each length of pex begins in the utility core makes its circuit around its designated zone and comes back so that it will circulate the water in a closed loop heat system. If they decide that one system should be set up to run the homes radiant floor heating and potable services than an open loop system is required.