New Orleans, Houston, San Francisco and Miami: These are just a handful of big U.S. cities that top the list for high humidity levels. Similarities in these environments translate into similar fears over condensation in radiant cooling.
Here’s the thing: In very humid climates like Malaysia and Thailand, radiant cooling systems are being installed with successful results — a prime example of which is the New Bangkok International Airport. That’s because they have the right formula, and so does Viega.
Why Radiant Cooling Can Work in Humid Environments
The conversation around humidity begins with proper control and design. When radiant tubing is installed to heat and cool commercial buildings (the same tubing does both), humidity is controlled per industry standards as with any conventional HVAC system. Coupling control of the humidity with control of the radiant floor, and a well-planned design, alleviates the concern of humidity issues.
That brings us to the next question. What’s the optimal water temperature to run through a radiant cooling system?
The answer to this question depends on the location of the installation. Take Las Vegas, for instance. Because it’s so dry, you can run much colder water through a radiant cooling system than you would in a humid environment. Otherwise, it sets the stage for condensation.
The Viega design team can tell you the optimal water temperature for your radiant system. While this provides the foundation for ideal system performance, it’s just as important to ensure that these controls are in place moving forward. With a thorough review of the design and customer expectations, the Viega design team can avoid undesired conditions in your building.
One Radiant Cooling Project Viega Designed & Commissioned
For California Comfort Systems, a leader in installing and servicing mechanical systems, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) represented their largest radiant heating and cooling project — and also the first where they used Viega’s radiant products as well as their design services.
Throughout every phase of the high-profile design and construction process, Viega worked hand-in-hand with the team at California Comfort Systems to create the ideal radiant system. In-slab heating and cooling pipe — 44,000 feet to be exact, with 18 manifolds and 12 pumps — was installed at tightly spaced increments, with a cooling capacity of 40 BTUh/sqft.
With the proper control sequences in place per Viega’s recommendations, the radiant system has performed as intended without condensation issues.
