Vanguard has tested and approved glycol for use in Pex tubing, and recommends a 50/50 glycol/water mix for maximum freeze protection. Typical automotive antifreeze is not recommended due to the many additives in automotive antifreeze, which have not been approved for use with Pex.

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With radiant heat, the temperatures the floor temperatures tend to be stable and low. These are favorable conditions for wide pine floors. It is best to use material that has low humidity from the beginning. Probably not, if the building will be energy efficient. While heat will tend to rise, you are asking one floor to do the work of two and you may want to over design the first floor. See similar questions...

This is a concrete question more than a radiant heating question. All concrete applications must be structurally satisfactory. There is no important difference between concrete mixes from the heating standpoint. See similar questions...

Radiant heat is transmitted from a heat source via rays just like rays of sunlight. These rays pass through the air without heating it since only solid objects can absorb the heat they transmit. Dark colours absorb more radiant heat than lighter colours. This is why light coloured clothing is cooler than dark coloured clothing. See similar questions...

Yes, but check with your local code enforcement department (some require boilers only) and make sure your water heater is sized correctly for the area you are heating. Set the water heater temperature control to high and make sure to install a thermostatic mixing valve and expansion tank. See similar questions...

An Eichler radiant heat system that has copper pipes can be repaired and maintained indefinitely with a little periodic maintenance. However, if your radiant piping is made of steel, as was done in many mid-'50s Eichlers, it may not be repairable. In any case, be sure to recruit a qualified radiant heat specialist (and perhaps even a second opinion) to diagnose your situation and lay out your options. More information. Don't mess with it. See similar questions...

Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is a form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by direct light conversion (DLC). DLC warms only the object and does not raise the temperature of the surrounding free air. All life requires FIR heat from the sun. FIR heat is not ultraviolet radiation but a narrow band of energy within the 5.6 to 15 micron level. This type of energy travels only 2-3" deep into the body to increase circulation and nourish damaged tissue. See similar questions...

Use a 50% solution of glycol based antifreeze solution to water for a system that must operate at very low temperatures. If only freeze protection is needed, a 20-25% solution is usually adequate because the more dilute solution forms a non rigid slush that will not flow well but will not damage the tubing. See similar questions...

ASTEC is an excellent means of preventing solar radiation from being absorbed into a surface. However, most of the overheating of vehicle interiors occurs from sunlight through side windows, with only a fraction of the heat gain occurring through the roof. ASTEC would reduce the heat gain but the effect would not be as effective as tinting the windows would be. See similar questions...

Yes. There are different manufacturers and different methods, but it has become more and more common this past decade. See similar questions...

A step down transformer sends a low-voltage current (between 8-30 Volts) through the ZMesh or Tuff Cable. The resistance of the ZMesh or Tuff Cable creates enough radiant heat to safely warm the floor surface and heat the room, or melt the snow of your roof or driveway. Uncomfortable cold tile and hardwood are warmed to a pleasant temperature determined by you. The radiant heat created is evenly distributed throughout the room. See similar questions...

HeatQuest and its dealers will custom design a system according to your desires. Pricing for your custom system will depend on the amount of square feet you want to cover and what will be the finished floor surface. Contact us for more information. See similar questions...

Radiant heat makes a significant difference in cooking results, which is why the AGA Cooker is legendary among chefs and owners worldwide. The AGA is the only stove that cooks using radiant heat. The best way to discover the AGA difference is to attend an AGA Cooking Demonstration {add link}. See similar questions...

Most conventional ovens cycle—heating up and cooling down, rarely being at the exact temperature at which the dial is set. As food approaches being done, the up cycle tends to overcook the food, making it very important to take out the food at precisely the right moment. The AGA does not cycle. The gentle, radiant heat in each oven is very constant. Accordingly, it is much less critical that food is removed at an exact moment. This is what is meant when the AGA is called “forgiving. See similar questions...

Radiant heat is energy. It has no temperature as it travels through your living spaces however when this energy strikes an object, it is absorbed and increases the temperature of that object. The object than emits this energy out the other side causing heat loss or heat gain through the building envelope. A whopping 75% of the heat transfer in your building envelope is in radiant heat energy. See similar questions...