Choosing the Right Radiant Floor Heating Pipe

When installing radiant floor heating (UFH) in a new building, it is essential to choose the right pipe to ensure efficient heat transfer. The piping must be resistant to corrosion, have a high resistance to temperature and pressure, be flexible, and have good heat conductivity. It should also be easy to install, especially in curved layouts.

The correct pipe diameter size is determined by the system’s water flow temperature and the required heating load for the space. In addition to the piping’s thermal properties, the type of flooring and insulation used in the space must be taken into consideration as well.

Once the optimal pipe diameter is selected, the next step is determining the correct circuit length. A properly calculated circuit length will ensure proper heat distribution and avoid a “loafing” effect. A loafing effect occurs when the tubing at the end of a circuit loses too much heat to the floor. This can result in the water in the tubing having an excessively hot surface.

To determine the optimal circuit length, it is recommended that you draw a floor plan of the heated space and calculate the room’s dimensions. Then, you can determine the minimum required circuit length using standard recommended circuit lengths for each PEX diameter. Once the minimum recommended circuit length is established, you can select the optimal number of PEX circuits needed to meet this requirement. Generally, it is preferred to use more circuits rather than less, as this will allow for a higher average water temperature in the finished space and will increase comfort.  floor heating pipe