How Do You Make Radiant Heating Work in Mountain Homes?

Watch this video to learn about the system that facilitates domestic water delivery and the hydronic radiant heating system at a high-elevation compound.

In this video, Ron Jones, owner of VISION House Mariposa Meadows and president of Green Builder Media, discusses the behind-the-scenes products that make this project possible. Heating systems, boilers and water pumps are vital to Mariposa Meadows's long-term viability, guest comfort and energy efficiency.

First, Jones specified Uponor’s in-floor radiant heating system. “For me, there's only one choice in space heaters, and that is hydronic radiant heat. So, we always incorporate that into our designs for our buildings,” Jones notes. 

The PEX tubing runs underneath the concrete slab. Hot water floods the hidden maze, keeping the slab warm. Because heat rises combined with the high thermal mass of concrete, the system is efficient, silent and healthy for inhabitants. 

“You're in better shape because you're not breathing that overheated, dried out air that you get from other systems,” adds Jones.

To heat that water, tankless mini combo boilers from Bosch get the job done. Additionally, they heat the domestic hot water supply. “It’s almost an endless supply of hot water, so you're not going to be in the middle of the shower, and the water goes cold,” says Jones.

Then, Grundfos’ pumps distribute the water to the radiant heating system and supply water to the buildings from the 300-foot well. “We have the product of choice through Grundfos – their system pumps, submersible pumps and zone pumps are as good as you can get.”

“The buildings are so comfortable when you have radiant heat,” Jones notes. “If your feet are warm, you feel good!” 

Visit the VISION House Mariposa Meadows microsite to learn more about the products from Uponor, Bosch and Grundfos and watch more videos of Jones breaking down his meticulous product selection process.