Radiant floor heating is a popular heating system that uses tubing or piping installed beneath the floor surface to distribute heat evenly throughout a space. One of the most important considerations when installing radiant floor heating is figuring out how much tubing is needed. In this article, we will explore how to determine the amount of tubing required for a radiant floor heating system.
Calculate the square footage of the area to be heated: The first step in determining how much tubing is needed for a radiant floor heating system is to calculate the square footage of the area to be heated. This can be done by measuring the length and width of the room and multiplying the two numbers together. For irregularly shaped rooms, it may be helpful to divide the room into smaller sections and calculate the square footage of each section.
Determine the heat output required: The next step is to determine the heat output required to heat the space. This is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. The heat output required will depend on the size of the room, the desired temperature, and the insulation of the space. It is recommended to consult with a heating professional to determine the appropriate heat output for the space.
Choose the tubing size: Once the heat output is determined, the next step is to choose the appropriate tubing size. The most common tubing sizes for radiant floor heating are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. The size of the tubing will depend on the heat output required and the length of the tubing runs.
Calculate the length of tubing required: To calculate the length of tubing required, divide the heat output required by the heat output per foot of tubing. The heat output per foot of tubing can be found in the manufacturer's specifications. For example, if the heat output required is 30,000 BTUs per hour and the heat output per foot of tubing is 10 BTUs, then 3,000 feet of tubing is needed.
Add additional tubing for turns and corners: It is important to add additional tubing for turns and corners in the tubing runs. A general rule of thumb is to add 10% extra tubing for every turn or corner.
Consider tubing spacing: The spacing between the tubing runs will also affect the amount of tubing required. A typical spacing for radiant floor heating is 6 inches on center, although this can vary depending on the heat output required and the tubing size.
In conclusion, determining the amount of tubing required for a radiant floor heating system requires careful calculation and consideration of the size of the space, the heat output required, and the tubing size and spacing. It is recommended to consult with a radiant floor heating expert to ensure that the proper amount of tubing is used for the most efficient and effective radiant floor heating system.