Radiant Heat Options: Subfloor Installation

The Wirsbo Quik Trak system makes it easy to install radiant heat without making major changes to your home. The 1/2 inch plywood panels are attached to an aluminum heat transfer sheet and the tubing is inserted into the U-shaped grooves in the panels. This system is installed in your subfloors to provide comfortable, even heat throughout the area.

SupplyHouse.com stocks all the components you need to install a Quik Trak radiant heat system in your home, including the panels, 5/16” hePEX tubing, and the sealant used to attach the tubing to the panels.

Spacing your Radiant Heat Loops

The layout of the PEX tubing in your radiant heat system determines how much heat a given area will produce. The space between two PEX lines is referred to as the on-center distance; the closer the tubing is spaced the higher the BTU output will be

In a moderate climate, tubing for living areas tubing can be spaced about 9" apart, and tubing for a bathroom can be about 6-7" apart. In warmer climates the tubing can be farther apart and in colder climates there should be less distance between lines.

There are several high quality brands of oxygen barrier tubing available at SupplyHouse.com, along with everything you need for your radiant heat project.

Boiler Reset Controls - The Taco PC700

There are several Outdoor Boiler Reset Controls available at SupplyHouse.com. The Taco PC700 is designed specifically to work in a system with a Taco EXP zone valve or switching relay. This control makes your boiler more energy efficient, for both your heating and domestic hot water systems, by communicating with your boiler to take the outdoor temperature into account.

Thermostats - Buy In Boxes & Save

Our thermostats are now available in boxes quantities at special box prices. Stock up and save on popular models as heating season rolls in. Honeywell, White Rodgers, Robertshaw, Lux and other top brands are all available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Weil McLain Boilers Ship Free!

Weil McLain makes a boiler for every home. Natural Gas, Propane,High-Efficiency, Steam and Oil Boilers. We have a large selection of Weil McLain boilers, and they all ship FREE! If you are looking for a model you can't find, give us a call and we can special order it for you. You can always count on SupplyHouse.com to help you get what you need for your plumbing or heating job.

Visit www.supplyhouse.com and use our Boiler finder to browse all our Weil McLain boilers.

Up $1500 Back On Your Boiler!

Many high-efficiency boilers are eligible for up to $1500 in Federal Tax Rebates through the end of 2010. The Weil-McLain Ultra 105 is one of our most popular Weil McLain models and is available in the boilers category at SupplyHouse.com. You can also use our handy Boiler Finder Tool to browse through only the boilers eligible for the rebate. The government has not yet announced whether it will renew this bill for 2011, so start shopping now if you are interested in upgrading your system and taking advantage of this opportunity!

Excess Air Be Gone

Spirovent Air Eliminators use a patented medium that “scrubs” the air from the system fluid. The Junior Series air eliminators are specifically designed for residential and light commercial applications from ¾" to 2” pipe size and have a straight, in-line design that makes them easy to install. With solid brass construction, an integral patented air release mechanism and a 20 year limited warranty, they are offer great value for a reliable product.

You can find Sprovent Jr. Air Eliminators at www.supplyhouse.com.

The Slant/Fin Bobcat

The Slant/Fin Bobcat boiler is ideal for radiant, baseboard and domestic hot water. It is made in the USA, is available in natural gas or propane, and has unique design features that set it apart from other high-efficiency boilers.

The Bobcat has a reliable spark ignition system, a low-mass heat exchanger and 1-inch water passages that help optimize velocity. The knitted metal fiber burner ensures low emissions and the metallic composition of the boiler enhances the flame detection signal for reliable performance. It can be mounted on the wall or floor and has direct and non-direct venting options.

Slant/Fin Bobcat Boilers are available at www.supplyhouse.com in the boilers category.

Innovative Protection Against Flooding

The PipeBurst Pro Jr. automatic water detection system is a great option for convenient flood protection. This professional grade system, manufactured by GreenField Direct, provides domestic flood protection while keeping you prepared for common leaks that could lead to extensive damage if left undetected. This can keep your family and your property safe while minimizing potential flood damage and cost of recovery.

The PipeBurst Pro Jr. has a unique new design that combines high tech sensors and controls. The system responds early and acts to prevent costly water damage losses such as hidden mold, ruined flooring, loss of photos and other valuables that cannot be replaced. The system is affordable and easy to install, so visit www.supplyhouse.com and protect against flood damage today!

Toasty Warm Towels

SupplyHouse.com now has the complete collection of Jeeves Towel Warmers manufactured by Amba. This line has curved and straight models available in four different finishes - Polished, Brushed, White or Oil Rubbed Bronze. These are a great addition to your bathroom, giving you the benefit of warm towels when you get out of the shower while adding a modern, stylish piece to your bathroom.

You can browse the Jeeves Collection and our other lines at www.supplyhouse.com and bring a new element of comfort into your home!

Glow Fly Fires Up

Hot surface ignitors are found on most modern furnaces to light the gas flames when the units start up. Electricity passes through the Silicon Carbide or the newer Silicon Nitride ignitor and makes it glow red hot. Operating under normal conditions a hot surface ignitor will last for 3 to 5 years. Eventually they crack and need to be replaced, similar to a light bulb.

The Honeywell Glow Fly hot surface igniter is a popular model available at www.supplyhouse.com. It is made with the newest Silicon Nitride technology and the Q3200U1004 Glow Fly kit comes with mounting brackets and detailed installation instructions.

Indirect Heaters - Getting Your Boiler to Work in 2 Ways

Indirect water heaters utilize your boiler or furnace to heat the air in your home and produce your hot water. This can save you money, especially during cooler months when your furnace or boiler runs regularly anyway.

An indirect heater uses a storage tank, combined with the heat from your boiler or furnace, to provide the hot water you need in your home. The water heater is attached to a heat exchanger, which is heated by the boiler or furnace. The water is then moved by the water heater into a storage tank, much like a traditional water heater, where the hot water is kept until it's needed.

We have a large selection of indirect water heaters at www.supplyhouse.com, including the popular Weil McLain, Burnham Alliance, and Triangle Tube Smart indirect heaters.

Keeping Your System Balanced

The EXTROL expansion tank was designed in 1954 and has since become one of the world’s most popular expansion tanks. It features a unique design with a diaphragm that will not stretch or fold. The purpose of the tank is to maintain equilibrium in your heating system as the pressure changes.

When the system is first filled with cold water, the pressure is set to equal the pressure in the system and the diaphragm stays flush against the tank. As the water in the system is heated it expands and the diaphragm creates a cushion, allowing the water to be absorbed by the tank. The tank keeps the system balanced by maintaining equal pressure.

EXTROL expansion tanks are available in a variety of sizes at www.supplyhouse.com.

How Condensing Boilers Work

All high-efficiency boilers are condensing boilers. As a boiler heats the water in the tank, it turns into steam and is vented out the flue. Condensing boilers utilize the heat in this water vapor more efficiently and, as a result, the water vapor vented through the flue is several hundred degrees cooler than traditional boilers. Due to the relatively low temperature of the exiting steam, it “condenses” back into water.

The energy a boiler produces comes from the process of removing heat from the steam, so by removing more of the heat from the water vapor, the boiler operates more efficiently. SupplyHouse.com offers a large selection of high-efficiency condensing boilers from top brands including Weil Mclain, Burnham, Triangle Tube, Lochinvar and more.

Going Tankless

Many homes today use tankless water heater to supply on-demand hot water to their showers and faucets. These systems heat water only as it is needed, providing a constant supply of hot water when it is called for (assuming your heater is sized properly). The save energy by not heating water when it is not being used. These units are compact and efficient, so while they are a bigger initial investment than traditional water heaters, they pay for themselves over time and bring additional convenience to your home.

The popular Takagi tankless water heaters and other brands are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Boilers & Water Heaters - What's the Difference?

Many homeowners aren’t sure of the difference between their boiler and water heater. The main difference is that a boiler heats the water for your heating system, whereas a water heater is designed to supply hot water to faucets and showers in your home.

Boilers contain water which is heated and converted to steam, typically fueled by gas or oil. The steam is sent through a closed series of pipes, such as radiators or convectors, which give off heat to warm a space. As the steam cools, it returns to a water state and is returned to the boiler for re-heating. In contrast, most water heaters use either gas or electricity to heat the water and then provide it to the interior of the home for domestic uses.

This is why boilers are found in the heating supplies category on SupplyHouse.com and water heaters are found in the plumbing supplies category. We have a huge selection of both boilers and water heaters from top brands. We have many sizes and types available and our Boiler Finder tool makes it easy to choose the one that's right for you!

Boilers Consider the Weather

Don't forget to take the outdoor temperature into account when setting up your boiler for optimal efficiency. When the temperature is higher, less energy is required from your boiler to heat your water. An outdoor reset control will communicate with your boiler so that it knows when this is the case and the boiler will run for shorter period of time. This saves energy and saves you money! The Tekmar 260 is a popular model that can be installed to work with both your hydronic heating and domestic hot water systems.

The Tekmar 260 and other boiler controls can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

One Screen To Control Your Whole System

Install Uponor's new Touch Panel Interface to control all the components of your heating system from one place. This 5" x 7" HD screen allows you change the temperature in other rooms, adjust settings, and program schedules from one central screen. You can even manage your domestic hot water and snow melt systems from the interface. This is a great tool for managing your heating system easily and efficiently.

You can find the Touch Panel Interface and everything you need for your heating system at SupplyHouse.com.

Brass Compression Fittings Now Available

We have one of the largest selections of fittings on the web, and our newest addition is a line of brass compression fittings, manufactured by Jones Stevens Corp.

Shop at SupplyHouse.com for all your fittings and use our convenient fitting finder tools to find all the sizes you need quickly and easily.

Radiant Heat Made Easy

We now offer radiant heat packages that make it easy to get the components you need for your project in one place. We have packages for Quik Trak, Joist Trak, Slab, and Suspended Pipe. There are packages for each type of installation designed for the most common size rooms.

Let us help you get started installing your heated floors and find the right radiant heat package today at SupplyHouse.com.

Did You Hear Something?

The Panasonic WhisperCeiling ventilation fan has a blower wheel with dolphin-shaped blades that move the air so quietly you might not even know it's on! It features adjustable mounting brackets for easy installation, built-in dampers to prevent backdraft, and a sturdy housing that will last for many years.

Check out the Energy Star-rated Panasonic WhisperCeiling Fans at SupplyHouse.com.

Excess Air Be Gone

Spirovent Air Eliminators use a patented medium that “scrubs” the air from the system fluid. The Junior Series air eliminators are specifically designed for residential and light commercial applications from ¾" to 2” pipe size and have a straight, in-line design that makes them easy to install. With solid brass construction, an integral patented air release mechanism and a 20 year limited warranty, they are offer great value for a reliable product.

You can find Sprovent Jr. Air Eliminators at www.pexsupply.com.

Up $1500 Back On Your Boiler!

Many high-efficiency boilers are eligible for up to $1500 in Federal Tax Rebates through the end of 2010. The Weil-McLain Ultra 105 is one of our most popular Weil McLain models and is available in the boilers category at PexSupply.com. You can also use our handy Boiler Finder Tool to browse through only the boilers eligible for the rebate. The government has not yet announced whether it will renew this bill for 2011, so start shopping now if you are interested in upgrading your system and taking advantage of this opportunity!

Weil McLain Boilers Ship Free!

Weil McLain makes a boiler for every home. Natural Gas, Propane,High-Efficiency, Steam and Oil Boilers. We have a large selection of Weil McLain boilers, and they all ship FREE! If you are looking for a model you can't find, give us a call and we can special order it for you. You can always count on PexSupply.com to help you get what you need for your plumbing or heating job.

Visit www.pexsupply.com and use our Boiler finder to browse all our Weil McLain boilers.

Spacing your Radiant Heat Loops

The layout of the PEX tubing in your radiant heat system determines how much heat a given area will produce. The space between two PEX lines is referred to as the on-center distance; the closer the tubing is spaced the higher the BTU output will be

In a moderate climate, tubing for living areas tubing can be spaced about 9" apart, and tubing for a bathroom can be about 6-7" apart. In warmer climates the tubing can be farther apart and in colder climates there should be less distance between lines.

There are several high quality brands of oxygen barrier tubing available at PexSupply.com, along with everything you need for your radiant heat project.

Radiant Heat Options: Subfloor Installation

The Wirsbo Quik Trak system makes it easy to install radiant heat without making major changes to your home. The 1/2 inch plywood panels are attached to an aluminum heat transfer sheet and the tubing is inserted into the U-shaped grooves in the panels. This system is installed in your subfloors to provide comfortable, even heat throughout the area.

PexSupply.com stocks all the components you need to install a Quik Trak radiant heat system in your home, including the panels, 5/16” hePEX tubing, and the sealant used to attach the tubing to the panels.