Hydronic floor heat spreader plate options

Daox · 09-18-13, 12:07 PM

I am thinking a bit ahead in my office remodel. I am definitely doing a hydronically heated floor to go along with my solar hot water system. I am thinking of going with 6" on center either 3/8" pex or 1/2" pex tubing with aluminum heat spreaders to increase efficiency. The floor will not be poured concrete, but wood between the pex tubing.

So, what are my options for heat spreaders?

Obviously there is the DIY route. Buy a bunch of aluminum and cut it and form grooves in it. This is definitely going to be the cheapest route. Builditsolar has a pretty good selection of info on how to make these heat spreaders here:

Making, buying, and evaluating heat absorbing fins for solar collectors

But, what if I don't have time to make heat spreaders, or I'm just lazy and don't want to? What if I'm just looking for the absolute BEST heat spreader available? What are my options now? I'm pulling links from the builditsolar page above, but here is what I have:

UP Solar Solutions:
Aluminum Solar Absorbers - U.P. Solar Solutions

This seems like a DIY friendly place to work with. They are .017" thick. They make fins for 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" PEX. You can order the exact quantity you want/need!

RHT Heat Transfer Plates:
RHT Heat Transfer Plates

Slightly less costly than the above option (in the .019" variety). .019" thick, and .024" versions. They also offer heat spreaders for 3/8" PEX. However, you have to buy in boxes of 100 pcs.

What other options are out there? What have you guys done yourself?

09-18-13, 12:07 PM	#1
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Hydronic floor heat spreader plate options I am thinking a bit ahead in my office remodel. I am definitely doing a hydronically heated floor to go along with my solar hot water system. I am thinking of going with 6" on center either 3/8" pex or 1/2" pex tubing with aluminum heat spreaders to increase efficiency. The floor will not be poured concrete, but wood between the pex tubing. So, what are my options for heat spreaders? Obviously there is the DIY route. Buy a bunch of aluminum and cut it and form grooves in it. This is definitely going to be the cheapest route. Builditsolar has a pretty good selection of info on how to make these heat spreaders here: Making, buying, and evaluating heat absorbing fins for solar collectors But, what if I don't have time to make heat spreaders, or I'm just lazy and don't want to? What if I'm just looking for the absolute BEST heat spreader available? What are my options now? I'm pulling links from the builditsolar page above, but here is what I have: UP Solar Solutions: Aluminum Solar Absorbers - U.P. Solar Solutions This seems like a DIY friendly place to work with. They are .017" thick. They make fins for 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" PEX. You can order the exact quantity you want/need! RHT Heat Transfer Plates: RHT Heat Transfer Plates Slightly less costly than the above option (in the .019" variety). .019" thick, and .024" versions. They also offer heat spreaders for 3/8" PEX. However, you have to buy in boxes of 100 pcs. What other options are out there? What have you guys done yourself? __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by Daox; 09-18-13 at 01:09 PM..