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Seems to me the system is composed of: piping, radiating plates(possibly), manifolds to direct the water, and something to heat the water. Also, is there a way to integrate this with my gas water heater?
Seems like there are other options other than water. I see to recall seeing a DIY option using electrical cables at my last trip to the home improvement store.
My BIL put in his own after making sure he thoroughly understood how to do it. He's an electrical engineer, but I don't know if it would be difficult for a layman or not.
My last house had a gas water heater set up to do exactly what you're talking about. I think it was "American" brand. it had an extra inlet and outlet to a built in water to water heat exchanger....so you're not using the water you actually consume to provide the heat. That and a small circulator pump, a thermostat and the under floor stuff you already know about strikes me as about all there is to it.
Just wondering how did the project go? Was it postponed or completed?
I would always suggest to use a local expert, who knows best what works well in your state. It is especially important to know local codes, weather conditions, local supplies. Although, internet prices are more competitive than in local supplies.
For example, if you decide to get 1/2" - 500 ft Pex Tubing with oxygen barrier online it can cost you around $140 - http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/barrier-pex-tubing-12; (broken link)
if you go to local supply it is around $220-260 for the same pex tubing with oxygen barrier.
At the same time, even if you shop online prices may vary on brands. For example, 5"x12" 50-plate heat exchanger for radiant floor heating you can get for around $1,200 for FlatPlate brand http://www.pexsupply.com/FlatPlate-FP5X12-50-50-plate-1-1-4-Thread-60-GPM-Heat-Exchanger-5-x-12-5791000-p; (broken link) or you can get Brazetek brand for $400 5x12 inch. (1-1/4 inch MNPT) Stainless Steel Copper Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers (http://www.brazetek.com/products/category/9/5x12-inch.-1-1/4-inch-mnpt-stainless-steel-copper-brazed-plate-heat-exchangers - broken link).
So, again I would recommend getting a local experienced contractor. Fixing mistakes is usually more costly than paying expert to get radiant floor heating project done for the first time.
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