Pros and Cons On Heated Floors

o1marc · 01-15-2018, 03:29 PM

Specifically the pros and cons of hydronic over electric? I understand that electric may tax the electrical system or at least add to it, but hydronic may have issues with leaks. Any info to help make an educated decision is appreciated. I know the electric is usually imbedded in a mortar base, but I think laying in on top of rigid foam insulation under the the laminate would allow the profile of th meat to settle into the foam. But then realize I need a 1/2" subfloor to secure cabinets and such to. The hydronic is much more involved as far as installation and hardware needed and looks much pricier than an electric option.

Robin97396 · 01-15-2018, 04:33 PM

I'm wondering why people aren't running chilled water through the hydronic flooring during the summers.

Rusty · 01-15-2018, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin97396

I'm wondering why people aren't running chilled water through the hydronic flooring during the summers.

I do. I save it in buckets in the Winter, then pour it into a funnel in Summer.

I beat the system.

Robin97396 · 01-15-2018, 05:05 PM

And now onward to that perpetual motion machine.

Rusty · 01-15-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin97396

And now onward to that perpetual motion machine.

I did that, too- wen't you paying attention?

watch closely:

Robin97396 · 01-15-2018, 05:23 PM

When can we expect to see this perpetual motion machine installed in a bus engine compartment?

No, I guess I wasn't paying attention close enough. I'll work on that.

o1marc · 01-15-2018, 05:27 PM

Getting a bit sidetracked here.
Who uses electric floor heat?

PNW_Steve · 01-15-2018, 06:17 PM

I have dealt with infloor electric radiant heat in residential and commercial applications. I have not (yet) seen it in a bus.

Any sort of electric heat fits best in applications that have full time grid power. For mobile & off grid applications a hydronic system that is fueled by diesel or propane will likely be more practical.

Leaks should not be a major concern. Proper installation and protection of the pipes/lines should give you relatively trouble free operation.

Take a look at SomewhereInTheUSA's build. He has (among others) had good success with his hydronic install.

If you can install fresh water plumbing successfully then you can do hydronic heat.

joeblack5 · 01-15-2018, 06:25 PM

I think JD installed some electric floor heat. We will be installing hydronic floor heat in Dory. With 96" height we have some space to waste

. The two main reason: very quiet and very little electric power required , then there are the blesful feelings of warm feet.

By the way Marc, for your motorcycle you should consider a low floor kneeling bus, just drive your stuff inside, nice wide doors, air ride, heigh ceilings, better insulated. All the good stuff without the added costs and work.

good luck J

o1marc · 01-15-2018, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeblack5

I think JD installed some electric floor heat. We will be installing hydronic floor heat in Dory. With 96" height we have some space to waste

. The two main reason: very quiet and very little electric power required , then there are the blesful feelings of warm feet.

By the way Marc, for your motorcycle you should consider a low floor kneeling bus, just drive your stuff inside, nice wide doors, air ride, heigh ceilings, better insulated. All the good stuff without the added costs and work.

good luck J

For example?

Twigg · 01-15-2018, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

For example?

Any of the low-floor transit buses. Most of them "kneel".

o1marc · 01-15-2018, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twigg

Any of the low-floor transit buses. Most of them "kneel".

Don't they have a big hump in the back to accommodate the motor? Not ideal for my plans.

joeblack5 · 01-15-2018, 07:55 PM

ok, that is good , just did not want you to miss out on a different approach.

Tango · 01-15-2018, 08:07 PM

Personally...the idea of engine coolant/hot water running around under the floor just seems like a fundamentally bad idea in a bus. A leak...a misplaced nail or screw...too much flexing...and everything on top of that floor is screwed.

Maybe in a concrete foundation, but not inside a layer of plywood.

Just my own beliefs.

joeblack5 · 01-15-2018, 08:23 PM

Tango, I can see that . The floor has its own zero pressure ( open )
separate circuit thru a flat plate heat exchanger connected to the diesel heater circuit. Then another flat plate to the engine coolant. Domestic and recirculating shower will each have there own flat plate heat exchanger.
It is complicated but I think it will pay off in heat and noise comfort.

o1marc · 01-15-2018, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeblack5

ok, that is good , just did not want you to miss out on a different approach.

Now if they made a low floor FE that would be ideal.

Tango · 01-15-2018, 08:38 PM

They are out there but like I said...just my personal feeling on the subject.

pepepito · 01-16-2018, 12:06 AM

I did this :

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f13/ye...ion-16944.html

Still haven't tried seen I'm still hocking up stuff but I think it will be awesome

o1marc · 01-16-2018, 12:12 AM

Nice set up Pepepito. My question is it really necessary to heat more than the middle 3-4 of the bus? How did you cut the grooves in the rigid, router?

pepepito · 01-16-2018, 12:17 AM

I Used a router it was actually very easy.

I'm not sure if you need to heat the whole floor but I wanted to have the bed area, shower area and seat area heated and because is a small bus that is pretty much the whole floor, I'm not doing multizone just one BUT I'm going to create an enclosure for my tanks so I can run hot glycol in winter to avoid freezing.

You may also like: