Proper thermostat programming for one room radiant heating?
This question is in regards to a one zone radiant floor and whether I am programming my thermostat correctly.
We have a high efficiency gas fired hot water baseboard system in all rooms save the bath. Here, our plumber installed a radiant system in the ceiling of the basement under a tile floor. We wanted a warm floor in the morning and evening when we take baths/showers.
I have a programable thermostat and have been setting it to go up to 72 degrees at 4:30 a.m. drop to 66 degrees at 7:30 (it will take time for the floor to cool), back up to 72 at 5:30pm and then down to 62 at 8 p.m. We keep the other baseboard system zone around 66 during the day and 62 at night.
I chose 72 degrees because anything less and the floors to not feel warm enough.
The house is a 5.5 room ranch and well insulated.
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Replies
Jim,
This is a comfort question. There is no single answer.
As long as you are comfortable, everything is hunky-dory. If you are too hot, lower the thermostat setting. If you are too cold, dial it up.
Thanks Martin. I posted because I hear so much conflicting advice. Some say use a set back thermostat to save while other claim on radiant heat systems you should leave it at one setting.
Jim,
Here is an article that discusses your question, as well as a Q&A thread on the topic:
Should I Turn Down Radiant-Floor Heat at Night?
Night-time setback w/ radiant floor