ᐅ Where and how to install dew point sensors for underfloor heating?
Created on: 6 Oct 2023 16:45
J
JaiBee07
Hello,
since I would like to have underfloor heating with a passive cooling function, it seems that I also need dew point sensors.
Where are these usually installed? Are they cast directly into the screed or mounted on the water pipes? How can they be replaced if they malfunction?
How many of these sensors are needed? One per floor?
Are there particularly effective locations for installing these sensors? For example, where the (cooling) pipe loops are laid especially close together, since that is where the greatest cooling output is delivered?
Do these cables typically connect directly to the heating system’s control unit or to the room thermostats? Do heating system manufacturers recommend specific types, or can you choose freely? Is there a well-known manufacturer that has proven reliable?
I would appreciate some answers.
since I would like to have underfloor heating with a passive cooling function, it seems that I also need dew point sensors.
Where are these usually installed? Are they cast directly into the screed or mounted on the water pipes? How can they be replaced if they malfunction?
How many of these sensors are needed? One per floor?
Are there particularly effective locations for installing these sensors? For example, where the (cooling) pipe loops are laid especially close together, since that is where the greatest cooling output is delivered?
Do these cables typically connect directly to the heating system’s control unit or to the room thermostats? Do heating system manufacturers recommend specific types, or can you choose freely? Is there a well-known manufacturer that has proven reliable?
I would appreciate some answers.
R
RotorMotor8 Oct 2023 20:24We are very satisfied with our combined underfloor heating and cooling system. The dew point does not differ between the floor and ceiling. However, on some days, additional dehumidification is indeed necessary to create a comfortable indoor climate.
The key to effective use is to avoid allowing the room temperature to reach an extreme 28°C (82°F). We maintain it consistently at 23-24°C (73-75°F) during summer, which also keeps the absolute humidity low. The supply temperature is then around 20°C (68°F).
Dew point sensors can simply be installed in the room to measure the relevant values and calculate accordingly.
It is important to consider that floor coverings must not have insulating properties! So, parquet flooring or floating installation of design floors with insulating impact sound insulation are not recommended.
Also, it should be noted that it is not only the surface temperature that matters but also the supply line temperature itself, especially if it is not carefully insulated, which is often the case in distribution boxes due to sight glasses, valves, and similar components. Condensation must also be avoided there, as it can lead to mold growth.
The key to effective use is to avoid allowing the room temperature to reach an extreme 28°C (82°F). We maintain it consistently at 23-24°C (73-75°F) during summer, which also keeps the absolute humidity low. The supply temperature is then around 20°C (68°F).
Dew point sensors can simply be installed in the room to measure the relevant values and calculate accordingly.
It is important to consider that floor coverings must not have insulating properties! So, parquet flooring or floating installation of design floors with insulating impact sound insulation are not recommended.
Also, it should be noted that it is not only the surface temperature that matters but also the supply line temperature itself, especially if it is not carefully insulated, which is often the case in distribution boxes due to sight glasses, valves, and similar components. Condensation must also be avoided there, as it can lead to mold growth.
A
Allthewayup8 Oct 2023 20:38For most people, this is simply the easiest way to keep the house 1-2 degrees cooler without having to invest much, especially if a radiant floor heating system is already installed. I haven’t seen cooling panels on the ceiling in any single-family homes yet. I think that says a lot about the costs involved. An air conditioning system would probably be the only alternative, but for many, it is either too expensive or not feasible at all. In our case, the interior plastering work is finished, and our heating contractor said it is now too late to install an air conditioner—it would halt the entire construction process until all components were delivered and installed. Besides, it would require additional channelling work for electrical wiring, condensate drainage, etc. Therefore, cooling through the radiant floor heating system is unfortunately our only option now without incurring significant extra costs.
W
WilderSueden8 Oct 2023 20:52I don’t think FBK is bad at all. We have it in the office, and it removes a significant amount of heat. When you can’t ventilate the heat out at night (office, noise, urban heat island, etc.), it definitely helps quite a bit. Of course, shading is still necessary, and you can’t really compare it to air conditioning.
Thank you all for your feedback. Since a heat pump with underfloor heating is going to be installed anyway, the passive cooling function could be added for a very small additional cost. However, it is clear that this is not as effective as a proper split air conditioning system.
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