Underground Lines
When using outside heating sources of
any kind it's necessary to transfer the heat energy
through a set of supply and return lines underground
with minimal heat loss. An unbelievable amount of heat
energy can be lost to the ground with poor quality insulation
or systems that do not protect from moisture. It's extremely
important to use an underground system that is very
well insulated and water tight, also the supply and
return lines need to be seperated. I can't stress that
enough. So much heat energy is being wasted in this
country by the use of "cheap" or "homemade"
insulation products. 1% of heat loss in 100' is equivalent
to about 3000 Btu. Don't cut corners here. You only
want to dig up your yard once.
Ask if the tube is oxygen barrier (O2
barrier). If it isn't or they don't know then please,
don't even consider it. O2 barrier is a PEX pipe manufacturing
process that protects your heat system from oxygen
(Oxidation - RUST!) entering your water.
If it's a polyurethane insulation ask
if it has a diffusion barrier. Cyclopentane gas (the
gases that make urethane) will be replaced with atmospheric
air and break down over time without a foil barrier.
If they don't know or don't have it, then don't buy
it.
If it's Styrofoam insulation make sure
it's water tight from end to end. All Styrofoam will
absorb moisture over time and water-log the insulation.
If your dealer talks about R-values for
undergound insulation--walk away! R-value is a measurement
of Convection heat transfer. Underground pipes have
no convection heat transfer; he's only proving himself
ignorant. You need to be an educated buyer. With underground
piping you are only concerned with conduction and radiation.
Cozy Heat offers three or four types of
underground insulation systems. Some offer better insulation
values than others. A rule of thumb--the longer distance
you run the tubes the more important the insulation
value.
 Back
To Top
|
