PEX Size Impacts Efficiency
Viega Climate Panel and Uponor Quik Trak are essentially the same product made of 1/2” plywood with the aluminum on the underside. Both panels make use of small 5/16” PEX pipe.
In contrast, Ecowarm RadiantBoard has the aluminum on the top of the board and uses much larger 1/2” PEX pipe. This results in significantly higher output and lower operating cost for Ecowarm RadiantBoard over Climate Panel or Quick Track at the same supply water temperature. See the published data below.
Smaller Diameter Tubing Requires More Connections & Proprietary Fittings
The smaller PEX tubing utilized by Climate Panel and Quik Trak significantly reduce possible loop lengths, resulting in many more connections and complications in routing pipe and add to manifold, pump and installation costs. Any quality ASTM F876-877 1/2” PEX may be used with Ecowarm RadiantBoard whereas the tubing and fittings for Climate Panel and Quick Track must be bought from Viega and Uponor Distributors.
Ecowarm’s Larger Tubing Facilitates Lower Average Water Temps & Operating Costs
Compare the published output charts by Ecowarm RadiantBoard and Uponor Climate Panel of a 20 BTU/SQFT/HR output with a R-.5 floor covering below. Climate Board requires 114°F average water temperature vs 98°F for Ecowarm RadiantBoard under these conditions. The lower the supply water temperature the more efficient the system.
ECOWARM RADIANTBOARD SIMPLIFIED AVERAGE SUPPLY WATER TEMPERATURES
