A Comprehensive and Detailed Guide to Underfloor Heating Systems

The technical term for hydronic floor heating is “low-temperature hot water floor radiant heating.” System principle: This heating method uses hot water at a temperature not exceeding 60°C as the medium, which circulates through heating pipes to warm the floor and then transfers heat into the room via radiation and convection. The supply water temperature should ideally be between 35°C and 50°C.

Introduction to Basic Components of a Water-Based Underfloor Heating System

System Components: Boiler, manifold, water pipes, thermostat, various valves

Piping Materials for Water-Based Underfloor Heating

Piping Materials: PEX pipes, aluminum-plastic composite pipes, PERT pipes, and PB pipes. Various imported and domestic brands are available, with imported products being more expensive.

PB Pipes: Currently the most expensive and most reliable type among plastic pipes used for hot water. PERT Plastic Pipe: Offers advantages such as heat fusion welding capability, stable and reliable raw material properties, and excellent flexibility. Its comprehensive superior characteristics give it a competitive edge in the field of radiant floor heating. It is moderately priced. PEX Pipe: Currently the most widely used type in European underfloor heating systems. The price difference between imported and domestic products is significant, and there are certain risks associated with using low-priced products. Aluminum-plastic composite pipe: Features a low thermal expansion coefficient, oxygen barrier properties, and excellent quality. Characteristics of underfloor heating pipes: Easy to bend, resistant to aging, corrosion-resistant, oxygen-barrier, temperature-resistant, pressure-resistant, scale-free, with low hydraulic resistance and a low thermal expansion coefficient. The role of the manifold in water-based underfloor heating systems: Optimizes flow distribution across system branches, improves heat balance control, and serves as a valve for branch activation/deactivation, system drainage, and automatic air venting. Manifold (Distributor): A distribution device used to connect the supply pipes of each heating circuit. Manifold (Collector): A collection device used to connect the return pipes of each heating circuit. The manifold system allows for the division of underfloor heating pipes into multiple circuits for control, such as one circuit per room. Introduction to Water Underfloor Heating System Components

Indoor Control Instructions: Thermostats The electric actuators on each circuit of the manifold are connected to the corresponding zone control panels via a terminal box to enable quick control of water flow in each circuit, thereby regulating the temperature in each zone. Electric thermostatic valves are devices used to remotely control system flow and heat (or cooling) output; they are used in conjunction with thermostats for temperature control in underfloor heating systems. Flow meters are installed on the branch pipes of the manifold. During flow pre-adjustment, they allow for quick and intuitive determination of the flow rate for each branch, making flow adjustment more convenient. Layout and Installation Dimensions of the Manifold The temperature control system for hydronic underfloor heating consists of two main parts: Part One: Equipment that controls the supply water temperature and flow rate. The supply water temperature is generally the rated supply temperature; the flow rate is controlled by starting and stopping the internal pump. Part Two: Indoor temperature controllers, which regulate the heat released into the room by controlling the flow of hot water, thereby achieving indoor temperature control.