What is the best radiant heat system to install over concrete slab, for a 4000sq.ft. community center.?
Question:in a cold winter region.
Answers:
Best system would be installed in the concrete slab, if it is not yet poured.
Radiant heat -- you have 2 options, electric or hot water.
Electric heat is usually very expensive to operate.
Hot water recirculating heat...is substantially cheaper to operate but it will require approximately 1 inch or so and then new flooring on top.., plus a boiler, recirculating pump, etc.
It is too bad you did not install the piping before you laid the concrete slab.. the piping should be in the concrete.. then you would not have a problem.
Why radiant heat???? It only heats pretty much straight down. But ok, if you must, use a radiant tube heater, gas fired, NOT electric. Here are some examples. http://www.infrasave.com/en/tube.asp...
I've installed these in many garages, storage spaces, etc., and NEVER in the type of situation you are suggesting. I just don't get WHY you would want to put this in a community center? Thing is, even with these, you are going to HAVE to have fresh air being brought in to the building via a makeup air unit or something. This just seems a very odd way of heating a community center. Not to mention, because of the legal amounts of required makeup air you're going to need, you're not going to be saving money. I am a mechanical contractor specializing in commercial construction and have never seen radiant heat used in the type of application you are describing. Not to mention, trying to control the heat, especially quickly, is going to be next to impossible. You really need to consider your alternatives, as I'm not even sure you can get something like this past the inspectors. This really sounds like a poor idea to me..
Please feel free to email me with questions. Wer30snfun on yahoo.
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