Aesthetics plays an important part in the installation. Baseboard radiators around the perimeter of each room or free standing cast iron units are eliminated. With hot water as the median for radiant heat, domestic hot water can be produced by the boiler or water heater, allowing one appliance to do double duty. The advent of computerized boiler controls that sense indoor and outdoor temperatures and adjust the operating temperature of the boiler to meet demand instead of maintaining a constant high temperature setting increases the overall efficiency of the system. During warm weather, the boiler maintains just enough temperature to satisfy domestic needs.
Radiant tubing comes in a variety of materials.
A core of pex or polyethylene is wrapped with aluminum then an outer layer of pex or polyethylene covers the aluminum. The aluminum forms an oxygen barrier to prevent deterioration of the plastic, and helps retain the shape of the tubing during installation. When bent into a curve to make return loops, the aluminum stops the plastic from springing back. If copper tubing is to be installed in a slab, certain precautions must be taken. If it is slab on grade, soil compaction is crucial.