Designing for performance

A crucial factor in the success of any radiant project is the engineering that goes into the design, installation and testing of the system. As a result, partnering with a quality engineering services team is essential to developing high-performance systems.

These teams, made up primarily of mechanical engineers, support the entire technical lifecycle of a radiant project and are instrumental in everything from accurate materials lists to full schematics for installation and more. Their expertise ensures efficient long-term operation of radiant systems and provides a wide range of benefits to commercial, industrial, marine and residential radiant projects.

What do they do?

An engineering services team will be key to answering these project questions:

• Is this radiant system technically sound?
• Is it energy efficient?
• Will it be comfortable for occupants?
• How cost-effective will the system be long-term?
• Will the system integrate seamlessly with other building systems?

In answering these questions, their work will fall into several main categories:

System Design and Optimization – Load calculations ensure the system delivers the right amount of thermal energy; loop layouts support even temperature distribution and comfort; and zoning strategy enhances system control and efficiency.

Energy Efficiency – From pump and boiler sizing for maximized energy use and performance to system integration with thermostats, sensors and control panels for reduced energy consumption, engineering services will look for ways to enhance overall energy efficiency.

Code Compliance and Safety – Every system must meet local codes and safety standards around pressure ratings, backflow prevention, proper insulation, pipe materials and safe operation standards.

System Integration – Radiant systems have to work in tandem with ventilation, hot water and other HVAC systems. System controls must also integrate with building automation systems, smart scheduling and remote monitoring.

Material and Equipment Selection – Engineering services specify materials for pipes, valves and heat sources to meet project requirements, budget and anticipated lifespan.

Installation Support and Documentation – From construction drawings, documentation and system testing, engineering services verify performance and correct operation issues.

Troubleshooting – Assessing and correcting issues throughout the life of the system.

With all the parts of a radiant system project that an engineering services team will be touching, it’s important to take the time to find a team that you trust and one that has a proven track record for quality work.

Customer-Focused Solutions

Engineering services are an invaluable resource for contractors, engineers and wholesalers. The team's collaborative approach, detailed material lists and labor comparisons ensure that projects run smoothly and efficiently.

“Viega's engineering services have received positive feedback from clients. Contractors appreciate the detailed material lists and the time savings associated with using Viega products,” said Scott Carder, Viega Piping Systems Engineer. “Accurate material take-offs help contractors avoid discrepancies between estimating software and actual project needs.”

Success Story: Radiant Project Highlight

A notable radiant project is in the heart of Colts Neck, New Jersey, where Dylan D’Amato, co-owner of NextGen Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, is changing the game with residential radiant system installation using Viega Climate Panels and Rapid Grid.

NextGen was involved with a 15,000 sq. ft. custom home that featured a comprehensive radiant system. The installation included 5,500 sq. ft. of Rapid Grid under the basement slab and 9,500 sq. ft. of Climate Panels upstairs.

D’Amato shares, “Two guys, two days, over 8,000 feet installed. It was well worth the investment.” Viega’s systems provided a streamlined, efficient radiant solution while a massive boiler room was set up with custom manifolds. “The boiler room is really changing the game,” D’Amato says. “It’s clean, articulate, and uses techniques that have been around for a long time but are now perfected.”

D’Amato emphasizes the labor and cost-saving benefits of Viega products, highlighting their durability and reliability. “With proper pipe prep, Viega has the best product on the market. It always upholds the standards of the application we’re using it in.”

This is just one example of a unique project that an engineering services team can support in creating a result that exceeds client expectations. Take the time to find a team that you trust and experience for yourself how working together will result in an efficient, high-performance radiant system.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fae Champagne-Walls is the public relations manager for Viega, a subsidiary of The Viega Group, which has more than 125 years of experience in building technology. Viega is the global market leader in metal piping systems, serving the industrial, commercial and residential markets. For more information about Viega, visit viega.us.