Radiant floor heat is best used in applications where you will have a relativly constant temperature. Since you are heating a huge chunk of concrete, don't expect to leave the heat off for a few days, then crank it up to 70 degrees while you work out there for a few hours. You want to set it at 50 -70 degrees, and leave it there. That's better for the concrete anyway. The tubing is pretty tuff..... an inner layer of aluminum, with an outer layer of plastic (PVC, I think). Site prep is important....a compacted stone base, add about 2 inches of foam insulation on top (and on edges), reinforcing wire, and a strong concrete mix like fiber-mesh (with fiberglass strands), should keep the slab from cracking. Another neat trick is to use a 80-gallon water heater with a circulator pump to supply the hot water. Another option is to just wait until Spring.... :Brow:
Infra-red tube heater I am a hvac contractor in Detroit. My garage is heated with a gas fired infra-red tube heater hanging from the ceiling. the only way to go, you will not be dissapointed. good luck!
Bob, Is this unit vented or unvented? What are the advantages of this type unit. I have natural gas available. Thanks.
I'm using electric infared overhead (feels goooood!)(240V) along with 240 V electric wall heaters. Didn't want to mess with gas. May cost a bit more but I don't heat it to 70 deg and the heating season is not that long 3 mos or so in Maryland. Bruce
Infra-red my tube heater vents horizontally through my sidewall in 3" class B metal pipe. you can also vent it vertically. the advantage to this type of heater is that it heats the floor, not the air so the floor radiates the heat. much more comfort than forced air. best bet for you is to contact a contractor to have it sized and installed properly.
