Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
(OP)
I am working on a project in Central PA where my client has an existing steam system that is very inefficient and would like to change to a tubular radiant heating system.
This facility is a 110 year old manufacturing plant that is approximately 92,000 sqft. The building is a typical turn of the century (last century) manufacturing style construction with 30' high bay in the center and 16' roof deck on either side with lots of glass. The building also has no insulation except possibly 1" on the roof that was installed when the building was re-roofed several years ago.
My client is looking for cost savings by changing to teh radiant heating system. My gut tells me he will experience a 3-5 year pay backa and reduce heating costs between 40 & 50% however I do not have any concrete documentation that I can refer to for this feeling.
Has anyone done a similar conversion or can anyone direct me to documentation on cost saving that may be seen?
This facility is a 110 year old manufacturing plant that is approximately 92,000 sqft. The building is a typical turn of the century (last century) manufacturing style construction with 30' high bay in the center and 16' roof deck on either side with lots of glass. The building also has no insulation except possibly 1" on the roof that was installed when the building was re-roofed several years ago.
My client is looking for cost savings by changing to teh radiant heating system. My gut tells me he will experience a 3-5 year pay backa and reduce heating costs between 40 & 50% however I do not have any concrete documentation that I can refer to for this feeling.
Has anyone done a similar conversion or can anyone direct me to documentation on cost saving that may be seen?





RE: Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
RE: Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
RE: Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
We do use radiant tube heaters for plant applications, because of the low capital cost, but I've never considered them for energy reductions (due to the low combustion efficiency of the heater ~70-75%!)
I've heard of some better units (up to 80% efficient?), but I agree with GMcD and TBP, if you're looking to do an energy retrofit their are some much better options to consider.
After envelope upgrade, my next thought would be boiler upgrade (actually my first thought is boiler upgrade because I don't get paid for envelope upgrades, but I agree with GMcD in principle).
Possibly converting to a hot water sytem, possibly trying for a modulating/condensing boiler.
RE: Steam vs. Tubular Radiant Heat
Thanks again.