My new shop.

[northerndave]

Installed 800' x 2" of natural gas line an there was no boiler system. I bought the best system with a 100 gallon hot water tank that stores the hot water and we can use it elsewhere in the shop. I had the furnace people come back at least a dozen times and they just can't get it to be controlled by the thermostats and hold a steady tempature. I am guessing the issue is in the floor insulation and lex tubing. I did insulate the outside perimeter of the building with 1" foam 2' down, no change. So I have a overpriced heating system that I cannot get to work properly.

Are you saying the 800' of 2" gas line is in your concrete?

Maybe I am misunderstanding?

The line I see typically used is 1/2" line space at an average of 1' or tighter spacing. Each run (loop) limited to 300' or shorter (I like shorter).

As a rule, I've heard you can expect to used length of tubing equal to your square footage. I have 3000 sq ft so we will be using roughly 3000 ft of 1/2" tubing in my slab.

 

[Cranky]

Are you saying the 800' of 2" gas line is in your concrete?

Maybe I am misunderstanding?

The line I see typically used is 1/2" line space at an average of 1' or tighter spacing. Each run (loop) limited to 300' or shorter (I like shorter).

As a rule, I've heard you can expect to used length of tubing equal to your square footage. I have 3000 sq ft so we will be using roughly 3000 ft of 1/2" tubing in my slab.

It's stuff like this that makes me glad I live in the south lol. I'm just too close to the coast and the humidity is too high....

 

[coronet340]

It's stuff like this that makes me glad I live in the south lol. I'm just too close to the coast and the humidity is too high....

I'd rather be installing Dave's system. It is miserable down here. Only two weeks of cold weather and then BAM 1000* again.

 

[Duda]

Are you saying the 800' of 2" gas line is in your concrete?

Maybe I am misunderstanding?

The line I see typically used is 1/2" line space at an average of 1' or tighter spacing. Each run (loop) limited to 300' or shorter (I like shorter).

As a rule, I've heard you can expect to used length of tubing equal to your square footage. I have 3000 sq ft so we will be using roughly 3000 ft of 1/2" tubing in my slab.

Oh sorry about that. There was no natural gas on the property so I had to install 800' of 2" to power up the system. The pipe was in the floor and I had a furnace guy add the rest. I will try to get some pictures and post for you to view.

 

[coronet340]

Dave - check this out. This was that geothermal I was talking about. It's a really neat system.

http://minnesotageothermalheatpumpassociation.com/geothermal/how-does-it-work/

 

[Gpuller]

My neighbor put geothermal in his farm shop. Guess its the cats ***, but spendy to install.
Uncles shop is in floor heat and is on peak demand. Keeps it about 55deg in the winter, plenty warm for working.

 

[northerndave]

I have a little bit of progress to report.

our foam and pex tubing is done.

these rectangular pockets are the thickened areas for my 2 post hoist.

Far end of this photo you can see where all of the loops come up into what will be my utility room.

Also my youngest boy helped me assemble these maple butcher block topped benches. Gladiator brand, 25" by 8'. These are actually made in the USA, I like that!

I really like these benches, very well made and very nice looking. My mechanical bench will likely end up getting a stainless cap. This bench will go along a wall next to rollaway toolbox, typical garage bench set up. the second one will hang out from the wall like a walk around bar, I will be able to walk around it, work from both sides for clean work.

 

[coronet340]

Looks good Dave!! Are there any issues with the lines breaking on top of that foam? I understand the concrete will hold form but what about the foam vs water pressure?

 

[northerndave]

I glanced at the lines and I think they said they were rated to 200 psi @ 180F

Should be ok.

They have them all tied together and loaded with a little pressure, gauge hasnt dropped since the install yesterday so I think we're good to go on the pressure test.

 

[HawkRod]

Wow, the garage is looking great. Lots of room to work in. I am seriously jealous!

Mind you, I have a two post lift in my garage, so I feel quite fortunate, but it is a tight squeeze and I never feel like I have enough room. You have some elbow room there!!!

 

[coronet340]

I glanced at the lines and I think they said they were rated to 200 psi @ 180F

Should be ok.

They have them all tied together and loaded with a little pressure, gauge hasnt dropped since the install yesterday so I think we're good to go on the pressure test.

Yea most of that P-tex is aircraft rated so it's pretty stout stuff. I was just more curious about the lines towards the edge that could freeze if you don't run your system (not that you wouldn't).

I'm sure the guys know what they are doing and it looks like a very SOLID system. I'm just more asking questions because this looks like a system I would want to run in the future. Even if your model does have GMs in it! lol

 

[uranium238]

I'd rather be installing Dave's system. It is miserable down here. Only two weeks of cold weather and then BAM 1000* again.

Y'all should come live in 'tweener land. In Kentucky, the saying is, if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes.

 

[northerndave]

I understand what you are saying 340.

We actually run an antifreeze solution in the tubes when we fill the system. Much like automotive coolant but it's a little different.

 

[northerndave]

Here is an example of an installed electric boiler system. this one is not mine, it's one that my brother has in one of his buildings. But ours will look similar when it's finished.

 

[coronet340]

I understand what you are saying 340.

We actually run an antifreeze solution in the tubes when we fill the system. Much like automotive coolant but it's a little different.

All makes sense. Thanks for all the info Dave!

 

[Duda]

So did you lay down foam insulating board?
How thick is that spray foam?
Looks like some really great work going on there Dave.

 

[northerndave]

1" foam sheeting with an additional inch of spray foam over the foam sheeting to lock it all together and seal it all up tight.

 

[khryslerkid]

Here is an example of an installed electric boiler system. this one is not mine, it's one that my brother has in one of his buildings. But ours will look similar when it's finished.

What kind of amperage does that run on?

 

[northerndave]

I'm not absolutely certain but I think my boiler will pull around 80-85

 

[Richard Cranium]

I'm not absolutely certain but I think my boiler will pull around 80-85

Better tell the electric company to get a meter with a balanced disc ready.