A Plug-in Wall Thermostat

Most programmable thermostats must be hardwired for power and communication with heating and cooling equipment. Lux WIN100 thermostats simply plug into standard 110-volt wall outlets and use two batteries to power the clock and maintain settings in the event of a power outage. The thermostats have a plug receptacle into which the cord from heating or cooling units can be connected. Perfect for window air conditioners and space heaters, the WIN100 lets these units operate based on room temperature and a program schedule. Note that these thermostats work only with heating and cooling equipment that automatically restart cooling or heating operation after power reconnection. Find this thermostat and more Lux products on SupplyHouse.com.

Floor Coverings for Radiant Heat

In-floor radiant heat systems warm objects instead of air, creating optimal comfort and keeping your feet warm. For these systems to operate most effectively, installers must maximize the amount of heat that travels upward from the hydronic piping or electric heating mats. Insulating underneath such tubing or mats is crucial, but don’t disregard floor coverings.

Radiant heat systems work with many types of flooring, including tile and hardwood. Wood floors can be damaged if surface temperatures get too hot, with maximum temperatures usually somewhere around 82°F (always follow the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations). It is possible to have a heated floor in a carpeted room, but carpet (especially thick carpet) prevents more heat from reaching the surface than any other type of floor covering. The ideal surface for a radiant heat system has no covering at all: bare concrete, which can be polished and colored for an attractive finish, brings your feet closest to the warmth embedded below.

For more information on radiant heat systems, visit SupplyHouse.com.

PEX Tubing Uncoilers

Working with PEX coils can be difficult, especially if there are only one or two people on the job. While PEX-A grade tubing makes the task easier, cold temperatures stiffen any type of PEX. Use a PEX tubing uncoiler to limit frustration and speed up installations. Uponor’s uncoiler works with PEX sizes up to 1” and coil lengths of up to 1,000 feet. Find it on SupplyHouse.com.

Replace Ugly Baseboard Covers

Heating season is just around the corner. Take time this summer to fix old baseboard covers and improve the appearance of your home. SupplyHouse.com carries Slant/Fin replacement baseboard covers. “Cover only” models include everything except the baseboard heating element.

The Baseboarders line of DIY baseboard heater covers offers easy-to-install alternatives with unique designs. Compatible with most standard-sized baseboards, the covers prevent small children from touching the element and have a lifetime rust-proof guarantee. Choose between perforated and slotted designs, and check out product reviews and pictures from previous satisfied customers.

Viega PEX Press Fittings

Viega PEX Press tools and fittings work with Viega FostaPEX tubing and any brand of standard, SDR-9 PEX tubing. Available in sizes up to 1-1/2”, PEX Press fittings come with press sleeves color-coded by size. The fittings were introduced in 1983 and have proven to be a reliable option for PEX plumbing and heating applications.

Manual PEX Press tools are available in sizes up to 1”. Battery tools can make connections in these smaller sizes, but they are required for tubing larger than 1”. Watch our PEX Press video to see the fittings in action.

Uponor PEX Rails

Uponor’s PEX Rails are 6-1/2 feet long, with options for 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4” tubing. Use them to secure PEX tubing in concrete overpour radiant heat installations. The rails connect to wood subfloors with 1” wood screws and require a minimum poured floor underlayment of 1-1/2”. Buy PEX Rails and other Uponor radiant heat accessories at SupplyHouse.com.

Sizing Bath Fans

When you’re picking a new bathroom ventilation fan, you will often come across the term ‘CFM.’ An abbreviation for cubic feet per minute, CFM quantifies the amount of air that a fan can move. Larger bathrooms require fans with higher CFM ratings.

According to Fantech, the Home Ventilating Institute recommends 1 CFM per square foot in bathrooms up to 100 square feet. Larger bathrooms should be sized based on fixtures. All standard tubs, showers, and toilets require 50 CFM each. Large tubs and whirlpools need 100 CFM per fixture.

Visit SupplyHouse.com to find a large selection of bath fans.

Hydronic Heating Delta-T

In any hydronic heating system, fluid will be hotter when it leaves a boiler than when it returns. This temperature difference is known as the design temperature difference or “delta-t.” Many commercial designs incorporate very high delta-t ratings, but residential systems generally have standard ratings based on system type (20°F for baseboards and 10°F for in-floor radiant heat systems). Systems with lower delta-t designs have higher head pressure and may need larger circulator pumps. They provide more even surface temperatures for in-floor hydronic systems.