The Installer
The hardest part about using radiant heat in your next project may be finding a qualified installer. You may be fortunate enough to live in an area where radiant panel heating and cooling is well known. If not, contact a few manufacturers. Have them send you their literature and the name(s) of installers or dealers in your area. Check out the RPA Membership List or other Links found in this Home Page. One manufacturer may not have a dealer in your area while another may have half a dozen. Choose an installer who either has experience or has the proper training. Avoid those who appear to be flying by the seat of their pants. The industry has been around long enough that "design as you go" is not acceptable. The installer should have a room-by-room heat loss analysis of your building done as well as a step-by-step system sizing process. Many companies have these on computer and can provide you with a printout, although work done by hand is perfectly acceptable. Guesses and estimates are OK for preliminary work, but nothing replaces good planning. Look for members of the Radiant Panel Association, they have access to current information and educational materials.
Overcoming Objections
You will encounter objections. The construction trade does not like to do anything out of the ordinary. Anyone involved in the building or remodeling process who is not experienced with radiant panels is likely to balk. This is a normal, self preservation reaction encountered in architects, engineers, builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanical contractors and anyone else who has input into your project that might be affected. By their objection they are really saying, "I don't know enough about radiant panels and therefore do not feel comfortable working with them." Your choices are, either find someone else who does know radiant panels or educate the people you are working with. Working with professionals or trades people who are unfamiliar with the systems can result in inflated costs and a potentially poor installation. Have them contact the Radiant Panel Association for assistance. Remember, you are the one that will live or work in the building, not the contractors. It all comes back to your desire for comfort and energy savings. Do your homework, ask a lot of questions, use a reputable installer and you will end up with a level of comfort you may not have thought possible. People who have experienced radiant panel heating seldom, if ever, return to conventional heating and cooling systems. Make the decision for radiant panel heating and you will not be disappointed.
Click Here to contact our Solar and Radiant Division Manager, Bill Spezza for any special requirements, needs or any questions that you may have.
