Hydronic InstallationInstallation – New Builds & Retro Fits
The modular nature of a hydronic system means installation is a breeze from Earth ship to Castle and everything in between. But there are some considerations between an existing build or a new creation.
Holistic Thinking
The most important consideration in both cases? The energy efficiency of the build or existing home. Working with a closed, Passive House style design is always going to be the best, working towards that you might consider;
Insulation, Insulation, Insulation.
Making sure your walls and roof are insulated is like making sure you go outside in the appropriate clothes. It makes all of the difference when heating or cooling a home. Make sure yours is up to standard to get the most benefits from any heating or cooling system.
Window Glazing, double or even triple
High performance windows let solar radiation (free heat) in and stops any hydronic heating created heat from going out.
Environment – House Orientation, or geographic location
Really only applicable to a build—but using orientation to capture the sun and physical landscape to work with the elements and existing terrain as a buffer or a thermal mass is always a good idea.
Ventilation
Combined with an airtight design, mechanical ventilation can recover heat and cool that would otherwise be wasted, while also filtering incoming air into the home. Fresh and warm air—win, win.
Thermal Bridges
All of the insulation in the world can be undone if there are conductive surfaces transporting your hardearnt heat or cold from inside, outside. This can be a huge and hidden efficiency drainer, metal window frames without a thermal break are a prime suspect.
Main Difference
The main difference between installing hydronic heating in a new building versus a retro fit is the ability to lay down in-slab piping. This can be overcome with on top of slab or skirting board systems.
In a retro fit radiators and panels are usually the go-to heat distributors. If you are looking for that total radiant luxury though – top of slab retro fitted floor systems can be installed but are not quite as cost efficient.