The PEX Radiant Floor Heating Calculator is a powerful tool designed to estimate the heat output of a radiant floor heating system. This system utilizes cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing to circulate warm water beneath the floor, providing an efficient and comfortable heating solution. The calculator determines the heat output in BTU/hr based on two essential variables:
Formula of PEX Radiant Floor Heating Calculator
Heat Output (BTU/hr) = (Flow Rate (GPM) x 500) x (Temperature Difference (ΔT) °F) x 10
Variables:
- Flow Rate (GPM): The flow rate of water through the PEX tubing, measured in gallons per minute.
- Temperature Difference (ΔT): The temperature difference between the supply and return water, measured in degrees Fahrenheit.
This formula takes into account the key factors influencing the efficiency of a radiant floor heating system.
General Terms Table
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| PEX Tubing | Cross-linked polyethylene tubing used in radiant floor heating systems. |
| BTU/hr | British Thermal Units per hour, a measure of heat output. |
| GPM | Gallons per minute, indicating the flow rate of water through the PEX tubing. |
| ΔT (Temperature Difference) | The temperature difference between the supply and return water in the system. |
This table serves as a quick reference for users, providing definitions for commonly used terms in the context of radiant floor heating.
Example of PEX Radiant Floor Heating Calculator
Let’s consider a practical example to understand how the calculator works. Suppose we have a system with a flow rate of 2 GPM and a temperature difference of 20°F.
Calculation: Heat Output = (2 GPM x 500) x (20°F) x 10 = 20000 BTU/hr
This demonstrates how the calculator can be applied to determine the heat output based on specific system parameters.
Most Common FAQs
To measure the flow rate, you can use a flow meter installed in the system. Alternatively, you can calculate it by measuring the volume of water that passes through a specific point in one minute.
The ideal temperature difference depends on various factors, including the type of flooring and the desired room temperature. In general, a temperature difference of 10-20°F is commonly recommended.
The PEX Radiant Floor Heating Calculator is specifically designed for radiant floor heating systems using PEX tubing. It may not provide accurate results for other types of heating systems.