Hydronic radiant ceiling heating has some very real advantages, yet it has often succumbed to the marketing of “warm floors” by the radiant industry.
Radiant ceiling heating dodges design issues about floor heights and transitions and compatibility with floor goods. Radiant floors are only very warm when there is a big heating load on the coldest winter nights. Radiant ceilings do “see” the floor, making the floors feel neutral via the gentle radiation from above. It also can be a savior in very high heat loss “trophy” rooms where the floor just can’t do it.
Also, radiant ceiling heating is more efficient than floor heating. A radiant ceiling has the minimal heat resistance of 5/8” sheetrock, while floors can have significant resistance to overcome with flooring goods and furniture.
An Ecowarm radiant ceiling can typically operate in water temperature ranges of 80F-95F, while Ecowarm radiant floors will often operate in the 95f–120F temperature range. The lower the supply water temperature, the more efficient a system is. This application is not for every radiant project, but keep it in your design tool box.
The application of Ecowarm RadiantBoard for ceilings is very similar to that for floor and walls, except much more care and planning must be made to accommodate any ceiling penetrations such as lighting and sprinklers. Typically, more custom routing is called for.
The contractor can cut the panels to be stapled to the joists or can sheath the ceiling joists with 5/8” or ¾” plywood and apply the Ecowarm panels to that surface according to the CAD layout provided by our factory. The ceiling cavity must well be insulated to assure minimum heat loss from the reverse side.
Ecowarm Panel Installed In Ceiling
Install the PEX tubing according to the layout plan. Tip: Staple up clear plastic over Ecowarm and draw where tubes are with marker. Tack up your sheet rock and place marked plastic on the ceiling to display tubing locations. Screw on the sheetrock avoiding tubing. The mechanical installer must be sure that air can be eliminated from the ceiling section radiant tubing using a central micro bubbler and complete system air purging on startup.
It is highly advisable to have a low temperature thermostatic water control for any areas where radiant ceiling is used and high surface temperature cut off control. The maximum water temperatures for ceiling systems are typically less than 90F. Overheating a radiant ceiling can be uncomfortable for occupant.
Hydronic radiant ceiling heating has some very real advantages yet it has succumbed to the marketing of “warm floors” by the radiant industry. First, radiant floors are only very warm when there is a big heating load on the coldest winter nights and radiant ceiling do make the floors feel neutral indirectly. There is much more beyond that. Check out the articles from industry experts below!
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