Hydronic floor heating

[Mikesolar]

Originally Posted by Minimac

I would agree that in a slab, it could work fine. I just think that, in the case of the OP and an old home, there are much better and cost effective options. Look at the manufacturers temp ratings on the tubing. High efficiency isn't worth much if it isn't cost effective. The goal of any heating system is to keep you warm when it's cold. If it can be done cost effectively, so much the better!

Temp ratings on tubing are somewhat arbitrary. They picked 180F and 100psi because most products will be able to fit in and most systems will be within those parameters. If you actually see the test data of different tubing, it tells a different story. The better ones can be used well above 180F with little problem but they were designed for low temp applications and there is no house built now that cannot be heated with 110F water temps. Since heating at that those temps allows us to use solar, heat pumps, and other technologies effectively, why not take advantage of the tubing? When you need 180F you are stuck with fossil fuels.