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Floor heating pipework is laid out ready for the concrete pour

Installation

Hydronic floor heating is only viable for large installations due to the higher capital cost. A heating source, such as boiler or heat pump warms the water to around 40 C while this is being circulated in a closed loop through pipework embedded in the concrete floor.

Your engineer performing the slab design will need to be consulted. Either of two installation methods are employed. The pipework is normally fixed to a separate layer of a light gauge mesh positioned low in the slab floor, then the normal top steel positioned and a 125mm floor poured. It is also possible for the pipework to be laid over the main structural steel, with the floor thickness increased sufficiently so that a cover of at least 50mm over the top of the pipework (75mm over the mesh) is maintained, to avoid fine settlement cracking over the pipework.

Is solar a viable heat source?

Solar is only viable as a supplement to a primary heat source. There are several problems to consider. The amount of energy required to heat a home is significantly greater than that required for normal domestic hot water needs; usually at least 6 times greater. The panel sizes will then have to be proportionately larger and more costly and the return on this considerable investment is for a limited period each year. A proportionately larger hot water storage capacity is also needed.

Solar heating is least effective at the time of year when the demand for room heating is greatest. A supplementary heat source will be necessary.

Hydronic floor heating

Comparing hydronic with electric slab floor heating.

Hydronic floor heating offers the advantage that any heat source, including mixed sources, and heat pumps can be used.

It’s disadvantages include higher capital cost, poorer zone control - particularly with automatic control. Some difficulties with mixed floor coverings, since a higher water temperature is needed under carpet compared to tiled floors.

A hydronic system for use with a heat pump, in Northern NSW.