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A 50/50 mix of glycol is almost never needed in hydronic heating systems installed below the arctic circle. Antifreeze always deminishes heat transfer (costs more to operate system) and circulator efficiency (costs more to run the circulator). One circulator can drive many loops or zones with...

Insulation is specified just like every other mechanical application. How thick the slab is and the insulation to support it is determined by its intended purpose. To make it simple, insulation is a matter of percentages; the more you cover the less you lose in terms of comfort and efficiency...

Insulation is specified just like every other mechanical application. How thick the slab is and the insulation to support it is determined by its intended purpose. To make it simple, insulation is a matter of percentages; the more you cover the less you lose in terms of comfort and efficiency...

Stingry is right. A heat load analysis is first. Water heaters can work but will suffer with continual low temperatures (a mixing valve is in order). Of course that's a lot of anti-freeze if you think you need it.

Low voltage electric radiant under the tile with timer stat. See Warmly Yours. I don't use much electric heat in my design work, but this is a luxury you can afford as it is a small space AND well insulated:-).

These unit don't all run at once.

As Ron properly points out, in residential applications the chance of serious mistake is much greater than in commercial systems where ethylene glycol is more commonly used. RV anti-freeze is not suitable for hydronic systems as it is not designed for the temperatures and components usually...

Closed Cell Polystyrene is the standard for in-slab radiant floors (2" R10 is common in cold climates). Blankets are not insulation. If your friend is satisfied it is because the soil has a natural resistance to heat transfer. Perimeter insulation is the most critical because of frost. Some...

Blankets are not insulation. Cheaper is not better. Perimeter insulation is more critical because of frost. Many large commercial systems are designed without the benefit of sub-slab insulation. It is about response time and ROI. For smaller shop (under say 10,000 sq.ft.) it makes sense to use...

First you perform a heat load analysis to determine the size of the boiler. Bigger is definitely not better. The more a heating unit operates the more even the heat (like cruise control). Radiant floor heating sytems work best when the thermostat is set and forgotten. If you only need heat on...

I worked with an MIT educated mechanical engineer for several YEARS to develop a waste oil boiler. Buy one off the shelf and let them worry about constant maintenance etc.etc.etc. MA

Mike is right. Gasification for clean burning and less wood gathering. http://www.cozyheat.net/blueforge.htm Tell'em MA sent you.

Pump the return to cold and the supply from the hot. A micro bubble air eliminator will make your life better. MA

Your space is too small for questionable heat pump savings. Hydronic radiant floor heating. Put the tubing in the slab, under your feet and heat with a common gas-fired water heater. MA

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating if you want to be comfortable. NG or Propane. But you should start with the calculator as suggested. If electric IS cheaper then go for an electric boiler so you can change your mind if electric goes up. MA

Don't forget to crack a window when unit is in use. Don't want you to go for the LONG SLEEP. MA

Unwrapped iron pipe is not used below grade. Parasitic loss? An air pressure test is standard. MA

Re: Two Questions Regarding Radiant Heat Your contractor is using accepted technology and has a valid point. $125.00 is a bargain. I do not use floor sensors for residential applications as the doors do not open enough to matter, but your contractor gave you an honest option. I would not have...

Heat loss is the first thing. Your insulation is marginal at best. Tube spacing is fine. Size volume of your water heater has nothing to do with heating your slab. The btuh output is the only consideration after accepting the pathetic fuel efficiency. Heaven forbid if your contractor tries to...

To answer your question. I am not convinced that 2" of polystryrene is not a sufficient vapor barrier. 1/2" inch tubing on 12 inch centers would be more than adequate unless you are melting snow. Tubing should be stapled down to the insulation and if you must, put the 6,6,10,10 on top of the...