Hot Water Radiant System

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Questions and Answers

What is a benefit of radiant systems?

Increased ventilation

Improved air quality

Reduced humidity

Even heat distribution (correct)

What is a characteristic of electric radiant systems?

Requires complex installation

Better suited to localized heating requirements (correct)

Suitable for whole house heating

Uses a central heat source

What is a consideration when installing pipes in a hot water radiant system?

Using a gas-fired boiler

Using PEX piping

Providing additional insulation

Considering the additional dead load of topping (correct)

What is a feature of hot water radiant systems?

Requires a central heat source Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of electric radiant systems?

Not suitable for whole house heating Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pipes in a hot water radiant system?

Embedded in concrete Signup and view all the answers

What type of heating system uses hot water passing through radiators located in each room?

Hydronic Baseboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an Integrated Mechanical System (IMS)?

Groups the functions of space heating, water heating and heat recovery ventilation Signup and view all the answers

In a Forced Air System, what is the purpose of the central unit?

To heat, cool, add or remove humidity, or cleanse and re-circulate air Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of high-efficiency condensing gas furnaces?

They have lower operating costs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of sealed condensing gas furnaces?

They use outside air for combustion Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration in Heating System Design?

Energy efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in controlling indoor air pollution?

Ventilation requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of humidity control in heating systems?

It helps prevent mold growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of filters in heating systems?

To reduce the accumulation of dust on the heat exchanger and fans Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of inadequate basement dampproofing and moisture stored in building materials and furnishings?

Excessive moisture that promotes growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of humidistats in heating systems?

To measure the level of humidity in the air and automatically turn on exhaust fans Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of depressurizing the interior spaces in a building?

Air is sucked out of combustion appliances (back drafting) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ventilation in heating systems?

To exhaust contaminated air and provide a supply of replacement or make-up air Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of controlling humidity in heating systems?

It reduces heating and cooling costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a central HRV system in heating systems?

To provide a balanced mechanical ventilation system as part of the furnace system Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the design process for heating systems?

Code required ventilation rate calculation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiant Systems

Hot Water Radiant System: heats water through a gas-fired boiler or heat pump, circulates through pipes in the floor slab, and re-heats cooled water at the central heat source.
Hot Water Radiant System: uses PEX piping, preferably installed within the floor slab, and can be embedded in lightweight concrete, liquid gypsum, or normal weight concrete.

Electric Radiant System

Uses resistant cables that produce heat in floors or ceilings.
Not suitable for whole house heating, better suited for localized heating requirements.
Can be installed under tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.
Independently controlled by a thermostat in the room.

Advantages of Radiant Systems

Even heat distribution.
Quiet operation; no fan or ducts.
Allows independently controlled zones.

Sealants

Common types: acrylic latex, urethanes, silicones, hybrids, and thermoplastics.
Profiles: fillet joint, butt joint, and lap joint.

Common Failures of Sealants

Adhesive failure.
Cohesive failure.

Fenestration

Window frame materials: aluminum, wood, vinyl, PVC, and fiberglass.
Detailing: rainscreen wall at window.

HVAC Systems

Forced Air System: centrally conditioned air distributed through ductwork.
Electric Baseboard: individually controlled electric heaters in each room.
Radiant: electricity or hot water used to heat floor or ceiling panels.
Hydronic Baseboard: hot water passing through radiators located in each room.
Integrated Mechanical Systems (IMS): groups functions of space heating, water heating, and heat recovery ventilation into a single package.

Forced Air System

Air is heated or cooled at a central unit then distributed to rooms through supply ducts.
Central unit can be a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.

Condensing Gas Furnaces

Burn natural gas or other fossil fuel.
High-efficiency condensing gas furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) up to 97%.
Sealed units use outside air for combustion.

Ventilation

Humidity control can reduce heating and cooling costs.
Reducing humidity in summer and increasing humidity in winter controls evaporative body heat transfer.
Humidistats measure level of humidity in the air and automatically turn on exhaust fans when levels are too high.

Ventilation Strategies

Traditional: natural ventilation, mechanical exhaust-only systems, and mechanical supply-only systems.
Balanced Mechanical Ventilation: uses a central HRV system as part of the furnace system.

Filtration

Originally provided to reduce dust accumulation on the heat exchanger and fans.

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Description

A heating system that uses a gas-fired boiler or heat pump to heat water, which is then circulated through pipes in the floor slab.