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Old 07-09-13, 11:22 AM   #8
Minimac
Lurking Renovator
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Upstate NY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AC_Hacker View Post
The PEX in the concrete works because concrete is a pretty good conductor of heat. Heat transfers through conduction very efficiently.

PEX in concrete is a very efficient configuration.

-AC
I think I have to disagree with the statement that PEX is an efficient anything. While the concrete is a very good heat sink, and ALUMINUM plates are very good conductors, PEX tubing isn't. About all that can be said for it(IMHO) is that it is inexpensive. It only works in a radiant system because of the plates. Hot air blowing over the aluminum plating underfloor would work almost as well. I would think that in a chase where the O.P. is running air and heating ductwork, 1/4" or 3/8" copper tubing would work much more efficiently, and after factoring in the cost of the pex,plates and fittings, wouldn't cost much(if any)more.
Of course this is only my opinion and, being in the plumbing and heating industry for forty years, I realize I have a bias against PEX anyway. Can someone show me the error in my thinking, if there is one(or more)!
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