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Evidence of floor heating has existed throughout civilizations dating back as far as 5,000 B.C.E. It has gradually progressed over time, from uses of dikangs and ondols used by the Koreans, to the Greeks’ and Romans’ uses of the hypocausts. Over thousands of years the method of under floor heating was becoming more advanced and evolving due to the practice continuing to grow in its native backgrounds. It has been called by many names throughout its journey, some of which are hydronic heating, hydronic radiant floor heating, in-slab heating, in-floor heating, and radiant heating systems.
In 1965 hydronic radiant floor heating had a revolutionary advance when Thomas Engel patents the method for creating PEX-A. This tubing was far superior then anything the world had ever seen before in relation to floor heating. Cross linking the molecules of the polyethylene proved to be an amazing feat, which made the tubing able to withstand high temperatures and pressure. Throughout the 1970’s PEX tubing erupted with the addition of oxygen barrier for oxygen permeation. Standards for floor heating were then issued in Europe, and by 1985 floor heating had become a traditional system in Europe.
By the 1990’s the world had been take by storm with radiant floor heating. The process of having pipes laid out under the concrete floor slab, in which they would circulate heated water through a closed loop system, was getting more popular by the day. The warm feeling that the surface of the slab would attain, followed by the pleasant, soft heat of the room was something people were not used to at the moment. Instead the world was stuck in a time where traditional heating systems just were not sufficient enough. Whether it was too hot in one area and too cold in the other, or that repulsive sound of a heating fan system blowing all that dust around, these systems were not cutting it. Forced air heating units circulated the same air from bottom to top in a continuous cycle, making the hot air unbalanced, and causing the air to dry out, which can cause health issues of the lungs and throat. Hydronic floor heating gradually lifts the hot air from under the slab allowing a proportionate amount of heat in each section of the room.
By the process of evolution the world had taken a step forward and chosen hydronic radiant floor heating to do the job no other system could handle. Hydronic heating allowed the user to control zones of theirs systems through a manifold, which is similar to a breaker box for an electrical system. This allowed for specific areas to be working while others were turned off, coinciding with a more energy efficient home. Programmable thermostats aid in running the system to specific needs, making sure the temperature is never too hot or cold. Along with the progress of high efficiency boilers and heat pumps the running costs for these systems have been reduced. Even after calculations of supplies, installation, and heat the average PEX consumer for hydronic radiant floor heating will always be one step ahead.
Floor heating has been around since mankind has been able to find a way to sustain heat. Through 7,000 years technology has evolved, introducing new methods to the same old task. One thing is for sure; no matter what people used to do for heat, there is only one optimal choice today. Hydronic radiant floor heating excels in every dimension of it use, from being economically efficient, producing heat at a high level, and allowing the user regulate its usage as they please. PEX tubing is the primary choice when installing this system, and will continue to be for as long as possible due to its high tolerance for heat, pressure, and ability to bend. Some things will always go together like peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, hydronic radiant heating systems and PEX tubing.
