Polypropylene glycol can be an essential part of your in-floor heating system. However, here are a few things to consider before you add any to your system.  What exactly is glycol? - Glycol can come in different forms, but we’re going to focus on propylene glycol (P-Glycol). It is a liquid compound that is used as an antifreeze agent primarily in hydronic heating systems. It is usually colorless and odorless. P-Glycol is effective at lowering the freezing point of water and helps provide protection in cold environments. Examples of utilization would be hydronic systems used for heating c ..read more

PEX tubing (cross-linked polyethylene) began gaining popularity in in-floor heating systems in the 1980’s and 1990s, however it wasn’t until early 2000’s that it became more widely adopted as the standard for in-floor heating applications. Its durability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility all helped increase its popularity among builders. Yet, did you know that there is more than one type of PEX tubing? Let’s go over the different types and their preferred uses. PEX-A: This variation is the most flexible PEX made. All plastic hoses retain something called “coil memory.” The more coil memory ..read more

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, created by the natural decay of uranium, which is found in almost all soils. It enters your house through cracks and other holes in your foundation. Homes and buildings can trap radon inside, and the tighter a home is, the more radon can get trapped in it. Building codes have considered this and require Radon Mitigation for all new foundations. In Minnesota, since 2009, all new homes are required to be built radon-resistant. Home builders must use material and techniques to help prevent radon from entering the home. This includes sealing r ..read more

To best transfer heat from the concrete to your home, you will need to choose options that do not insulate the cement from the inside, all the insulation should be between the outside and the house, not the house and you. Dense options are usually best as they facilitate radiant heat transfer.  However, I recommend choosing floor coverings from a realistic lifestyle view, as some coverings are too much work or worry, and others are down to earth and low cost.  Tile & Stone Advantages:Tile and stone have a high thermal conductivity, meaning that the heat from an underfloor heatin ..read more

The cost savings of building a house with in-floor heating versus forced air can vary on several factors. You have to consider the size of the house, what climate the house is located in, how well insulated the house is, and the cost of utilities in the area. You also have to differentiate between the cost of installation versus the cost of operating. With all these things to consider, you may ask yourself if in-floor heating is worth the cost. Let’s take a look at them one by one: In-Floor Heating Installation Cost: In-floor heating systems typically have similar to higher upfron ..read more

In-floor heating has long been heralded for its comfort and energy efficiency, but traditional systems can come with their own set of challenges. From uneven heating and slow response times to complex installation processes, homeowners and builders often grapple with issues that can impact the overall effectiveness of these systems. In this blog post, we'll explore the common problems that plague traditional in-floor heating and discuss how innovative solutions like HUG Hydronics are poised to address these longstanding issues. Zone valves or circulator pumps problems: Zone valves and circula ..read more

If you want to save some money, and a little time, and desire to have hot water for a low demand bathroom (like in a shop or barn) and your in-floor heat, this layout can work for you. This heat exchanger has to be outside the tank because the domestic side has too much pressure for our fittings. It will require a rib relay to control the pump. And the easier flowing the check valve is, the better.   This one is good, but must be mounted horizontally. https://www.amazon.com/Horizontal-One-Way-Service-Backflow-Prevention/dp/B0BJ6X67ZJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa Any questions? Our tech team wo ..read more

Are you tired of cold floors during the winter months? In-floor heating is the ultimate solution to keep your home warm and cozy while providing energy-efficient heating. In this blog post, we'll explore the most efficient options for in-floor heating, helping you make the right choice for your space. Let's dive into the world of efficient in-floor heating systems!   1. Hydronic In-Floor Heating: One of the most efficient in-floor heating options is hydronic heating. This system uses a network of tubing filled with hot water to evenly distribute warmth across your floor. Key benefits incl ..read more

Building codes play a vital role in the construction industry, ensuring that buildings are safe, structurally sound, and meet certain standards of quality. In the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Building Code is the regulatory framework that governs construction activities. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of the Minnesota Building Code and the key considerations it encompasses. Protecting Life and Property: The primary objective of the Minnesota Building Code is to safeguard the lives of occupants and protect property. It establishes minimum requirements for building de ..read more

According to data reported by the National Institute of Standards & Technology, the hydronics industry market size will grow from $32.4B in 2019 to $47.1B in 2024, indicating that homeowners are asking for it in more and more of their residential homes and building projects. As the technology of hydronics improves, its popularity is only going to skyrocket.   That’s big news for the industry. More installations means more work for HVAC and plumbing companies.   The latest data from 2015 shows that only 7.5% of homes in the US have hydronic heating installed, but demand is on the ..read more