EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Controlling radiant floors (what thermostat to use?)

stevehull · 10-11-13, 07:03 AM

Put a tube in your floor that will allow you to "snake" a probe in. At that point, you can use any thermostat that uses a wire sensor. I use a section of scrap PEX and I plug the far end.

If you are pouring concrete to encase your PEX snake, this will measure average slab temperature well. If using metal spreaders, pour just a "dollop" of concrete (dessert plate sized in diameter) around the part of the pipe that the probe will be in in. Have some concrete below and above pipe so it is enclosed in a thermal mass.

This thermal mass allows the floor to be better regulated and not have it turn off and turn on quickly. It is the equivalent of the "anticipator" in thermostats.

Steve

10-11-13, 07:03 AM	#3
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	Put a tube in your floor that will allow you to "snake" a probe in. At that point, you can use any thermostat that uses a wire sensor. I use a section of scrap PEX and I plug the far end. If you are pouring concrete to encase your PEX snake, this will measure average slab temperature well. If using metal spreaders, pour just a "dollop" of concrete (dessert plate sized in diameter) around the part of the pipe that the probe will be in in. Have some concrete below and above pipe so it is enclosed in a thermal mass. This thermal mass allows the floor to be better regulated and not have it turn off and turn on quickly. It is the equivalent of the "anticipator" in thermostats. Steve __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990