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FAQ's
- Most commonly asked questions about Uponor/Wirsbo Radiant
Heating Systems.
What
is radiant floor heating?
Radiant
floor heating is a comfortable and efficient form of heating
where warm water circulates through flexible, specially designed
tubing (PEX) installed under the floor. The heat radiates
evenly up through the floor warming people and objects in
the room and providing more comfort for less money.
What makes radiant floor heating so comfortable?
Unlike
traditional heating systems that just warm the air, radiant
heating warms the floor and the objects in contact with the
floor. The entire floor distributes a consistent, even, and
quiet heating. There are no drafts and radiant floor heating
takes the chill out of cold tile, marble and wood floors.
How long has Uponor Radiant Floor Heating been around?
For
over three decades. Uponor/Wirsbo has been making the PEX
tubing used in their radiant floor heating systems since 1970,
longer than any other PEX tubing manufacturer.
What
is PEX tubing?
PEX
(crosslinked polyethylene) tubing is a specially designed
plastic tubing with distinctive properties that make it ideal
for radiant floor heating and plumbing systems. Over 11 billion
feet of Uponor PEX tubing in service worldwide, along with
on-going product testing and monitoring, prove its dependability.
What
if the tubing leaks?
Leaks
are not a concern with Uponor PEX when the system is properly
installed. With a life expectancy of over 100 years, Uponor
PEX tubing has withstood the most extensive tests in the industry
for over 30 years. What's more, all their PEX tubing is thoroughly
inspected before it leaves our manufacturing plant.
Can
the floor get too hot?
No.
A properly designed radiant floor heating system will deliver
comfortable warmth that's a pleasure to walk on - especially
in bare feet! If additional heat is needed to satisfy the
heat load, additional warmth can easily be added by installing
radiant walls and/or ceilings.
We
already have a concrete floor in the basement. Is it too late
to install the Uponor system?
Not
at all. An Uponor Quik Trak system is perfect for remodeling
or retrofit projects. Quik Trak is installed over a plywood
subfloor. It's great for putting radiant comfort in a basement
or anywhere in your home.
Is
it possible to just heat the ceramic floor in our master bath?
Absolutely.
Uponor radiant floor heating systems let you heat only those
rooms you want to heat. The bathroom is a big priority for
people who don't like to step onto cold tile.
We're
not ready to make this investment right now. Can we rough
the system in for the future?
You
bet! Our Radiant Ready option is perfect for you! The PEX
tubing can be installed in the slab during construction and
you can complete the system later. This adds relatively little
to the cost of a poured floor, but can add a great deal to
the value of your home later.
If
I have radiant floor heating, can I still have air conditioning?
Sure you can. In fact, separate heating and
cooling systems really make the most sense. Radiant floor
heating keeps the heat near the floor where it does the most
good; and air conditioning ductwork is placed only where it
is needed to cool your home. The result is optimal comfort
and efficiency all year 'round.
Do
you offer a warranty?
Yes!
Uponor is so confident of the quality of an Uponor radiant
floor heating system that they offer a 25-year warranty on
the tubing when installed by a member of their Home Comfort
Team (HCT).
Is
radiant floor heating more expensive than the alternatives?
Yes.
It will cost more to install, however it's important to remember
that radiant floor heating can potentially save up to 40 percent
on your heating bills and significantly increase the resale
value of your home. That, plus the increased comfort, makes
it worth the extra dollars for initial installation.
We've
got allergies. Can an Uponor radiant floor heating system
help?
For
many, this is a resounding "Yes!" The radiant heat
system has no drafts, fans or blowers to circulate dust, dirt
and other allergens throughout your home. Warm radiant floors
can eliminate the need for carpeting which is a breeding ground
for dust mites, a very common cause of allergic respiratory
disease. The result is a clean, healthy environment -- a must
for people with allergies.
For
more information, please contact Robert Bona, Bonafide, Inc.
Wirsbo/Uponor dealer and installer. Licensed and insured.
Direct:
(203) 223-1262
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