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Post by shastalewis on Oct 28, 2013 18:21:32 GMT -6
I plan to install a PEX snow melting system on my deck. The PEX will be imbedded in two inches of concrete over OSB decking (which is built over an insulated garage. The area to be melted is about 200 square feet and I plan on just using a single zone and dedicated water heater. Can anyone recommend a simple system to create this (pump, holding tank, heater). I intend to control the system manually.
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Post by electrician on Jan 22, 2014 16:09:53 GMT -6
Sucks nobody's reply to this message... I'd be interested in seeing an answer myself.
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Post by skyehvac on Apr 23, 2014 15:44:37 GMT -6
well, this may be a little late but better late than never. I'd say use some common equipment like a Taco 007 or a Grundfos 3-speed pump. Any brand of storage tank should do. You want to use an indirect water heater if you already have a hydronic heat source available. I've been heating my front sidewalk for 15 years using a 40 gallon Amtrol (used) filled and pressurized with a 50/50 antifreeze mix. Just a simple Taco 007 circulating the antifreeze mix operating off a switch. The water heater is set to it's lowest setting and operating off a Taco zone valve from my boiler. The thing you have to realize with radiant or snow melt is the different time frame for response. It's all about mass and inertia. In other words - it's slow. So be patient and plan ahead. If I know it's going to snow I simply turn it on before the snow starts falling. As long as my sidewalk slab is warmer than 32 degrees the snowflakes melt. The hard part is remembering to turn it off  The other important planning aspect is symmetry and equalization of the tubing layout. You want to divide up your space with equal lengths of tubing that way you won't need to balance the flow. It will do it automatically. If you design your system and have a short loop it will become a racetrack. Path of least resistance. Also keep your tubing spaced evenly. Like the coils on an electric stove. Good luck! |
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Post by skyehvac on Apr 23, 2014 15:47:05 GMT -6
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The other important planning aspect is symmetry and equalization of the tubing layout. You want to divide up your space with equal lengths of tubing that way you won't need to balance the flow. It will do it automatically. If you design your system and have a short loop it will become a racetrack. Path of least resistance. Also keep your tubing spaced evenly. Like the coils on an electric stove. Good luck!