Description
The Hydronic Subcontractor shall design, furnish and install the hydronic radiant panel and domestic hot water heating systems complete as indicated on the Drawings and herein specified. He shall supply and install all materials shown on the plans and all others needed to complete the hydronic system. He shall provide any incidental work not shown or specified, which can be reasonably inferred as belonging to the work necessary to provide the complete system. The furnished plans will constitute a complete installation guide for the hydronic system. The installing Subcontractor shall be trained, properly licensed in the C-4 Specialty, and have a minimum of ten years experience in the design and installation of hydronic radiant panel heating systems. The design shall be confirmed by complete construction drawings, specifications and calculations demonstrating compliance with I-B-R installation procedures and Title 24 compliance documentation. Complete layouts will be prepared for the tubing, manifolds, zoning, boiler and any other support equipment that is part of the system.
The Hydronic Radiant Panel Heating System includes but is not limited to the following:
- Under concrete tubing and related attachment system
- Manifolding and valves
- Boilers and expansion tank
- Pumps and mixing valves
- Flue and caps for the boiler
- Temperature control systems
- Pipe insulation and labeling
- Flashing and counter flashing for the work at walls, floors and roof penetrations
- Testing, adjusting and balancing of all system equipment and zones
- All required supports for the equipment
- Removal of all debris from the premises
- Repair of any damage done to other portions of the work as a result of work under this section
- Provide connections to services and equipment provided by other trades and the Owner
- Coordinate with Electrical and Plumbing work as well as other trades involved with the work
Related requirements specified elsewhere:
- Flashing and Sheet Metal
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Floor Covering, Concrete and Stonework
Quality Assurance
Reference Standards
- ASTM Standards
- ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
- ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- SMACNA – Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ Association
- “Title 24 Energy Compliance Documentation” as prepared by a certified agency
- NFPA – National Fire Protection Agency
- Manufacturer’s Written standards and installation procedures
Regulatory Requirements
- All the work shall be in conformance with applicable sections of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code Part 2, Chapter 2-53.
- All the work shall be in conformance with other applicable local and state laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
System Components
Distribution Tubing
- The tubing circuits shall be composed of all copper, TYPE “L”, in nominal sizes of 1″, 3/4″, 1/2″, 3/8″ and 1/4″ soft and hard tubing.
- All below ground tubing joints shall be silver-brazed with materials containing a minimum of 15% silver.
- All fittings shall be of wrought copper.
- The distribution circuit pattern shall conform to the circuits as identified on the plans with no less than a 2″ deviation from all measurements.
- Secure the tubing to the wooden subfloor, steel mesh or rebar system as identified on the plans. Tie or secure the tubing a minimum of every 4′.
- Pour supervision shall be provided. Ensure hydronic personnel are present during the pouring of the concrete over the distribution tubing.
- The tubing shall be hydrostatically tested to 150 PSI prior to, during and after the pouring of the concrete.
- Installation procedures shall adhere to current and proper plumbing practices and procedures. Ensure all piping cuts are cleaned and reamed prior to brazing. Remove any dimples, dents or tubing dings prior to testing and the pouring of the concrete.
Mechanical Equipment
- The boiler system shall be a all copper tube and cast iron boiler with an efficiency greater than 84% and contain all the required safety and support equipment recommended by the manufacture as follows: adjustable hi-limits, High head circulating pump, temperature/pressure gauge, 30 PSI pressure reducing valve, 30 PSI pressure relief valve, galvanized jacket, built-in draft hood, electronic ignition system, pump relays, stainless steel burners, low pressure cutoff, modulation or stage firing, ASME certified working pressure, national board certified, AGA design certified for closet or alcove installations, hi-gloss acrylic paint.
- The boilers shall be installed in the mechanical room location as specified on the plans.
- The boiler installation shall be performed using proper plumbing and mechanical procedures and practices. Ensure all piping cuts are reamed and cleaned prior to soldering. The following materials shall be used:
- All Type “M” or “L” copper with wrought copper fittings 95-5 soldered joints.
- The installation shall contain valving and hose bib to isolate the boiler from the support equipment and concealed tubing system. These valves shall be high pressure valves with a rating of 125 PSI. Install the valves in a manner to allow testing of the distribution tubing without removal of any equipment.
- Install the air expansion tank on the supply side of the system and the pump on the return side. Allow for both automatic and manual air release to assist in system start-up and operation.
- Install the boiler on code approved metal stand if required by local codes. The stand height shall be a minimum of 18″. Strap and secure the boiler as per recommended seismic requirements.
- Label all boiler piping and valves as to direction of system flow and function.
- Install the system pressure/temperature gauge in a location which allows an unrestricted view for monitoring.
- Provide proper drafting, flue connections and combustion air for the boiler equipment.
- All Type “M” or “L” copper with wrought copper fittings 95-5 soldered joints.
- Insulate all piping not enclosed in a space or in the concrete with 3/4″ Wall Thermocel or equal. Insulation of the piping within 3′ of the boiler is not required and an option for the Hydronic Contractor.
- The domestic water storage tank shall be Stainless steel with a minimum of R-16 insulation. The tank shall be warranted for life against any leakage.
Manifolds and Controls
- Provide manifolds as specified on the plans. Each manifold shall be all copper and contain a balance valve for each return circuit. The balance valve will be of the ball type, with a minimum high pressure design rating of 125 PSI. Locate each manifold as per the plans. Each manifold will contain an automatic zone control valve, Invenysis or equal.
Work by Others
- The Electrical Contractor shall provide all the labor, materials, and install all the low voltage control wiring. He will install 18#4 wire from each of the five thermostat locations and 18#6 wire from each zone valve location to the mechanical room. He will provide two 120V, 15AMP disconnect switches, one for the boiler and the other for the recirculation pump to be located in the mechanical room.
- The Plumbing Contractor shall provide the labor, materials and install the domestic hot and cold water system for the residence. Locate the hot and cold water supply within 4′ of the storage tank location and provide a terminal valve for each connection. Provide a 1/2″ insulated recirculation line and valve to be located within 3′ of the storage tank location. Provide a 3/4″ supply valve for the boiler water supply located in the mechanical room. Provide a 3/4″ gas line to be located within 3′ of the boiler. The Hydronic Contractor shall make the domestic water and gas connections to the storage tank and boiler.
- The General Contractor shall provide a 5″ flue to terminate within 3′ of the boiler location. Provide a floor drain.
- The Structural Engineer shall provide drawings of all slab details showing the installation of the radiant panel tubing. Approve all attachment and method of installation with the Hydronic Contractor.
Warranty Requirements
Three Year Warranty on System Components: The Hydronic Contractor shall warrant the installation and each component and part to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for (3) THREE years from the completion of the initial installation.
Three Year Warranty on Installation: The Hydronic Contractor shall Warrant the installation of the system and each component and part to be free from defects under normal use and service for (3) THREE years from the completion of the installation.
Twenty Year Warranty on Distribution Tubing; The Hydronic Contractor shall warrant the distribution tubing of the system to be free from deterioration, electrolytic degradation and leakage under normal use and services for (20) TWENTY years from the completion of the installation. Failure of the tubing due to stress from concrete cracking or seismic activity is not included.
Twenty Year Limited Warranty on all Boilers: The manufacturer shall provide this warranty.
Lifetime Limited Warranty on Domestic Water Storage Tanks: The manufacturer shall provide this warranty.
Exclusions: All warranties on boiler and safety and support equipment are conditional on the system maintaining proper water pressure. The recommended operating pressure is 10-20 PSI. Monitor the system pressure weekly during the heating season monthly during the non-heating season. OPERATION OF A CLOSED-LOOP HYDRONIC SYSTEMS WITH KNOWN LEAKS SHALL VOID BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND CONTRACTORS WARRANTIES. Perform a hydrostatic pressure test every two years to verify the “leak-free” condition of the concealed tubing and boiler support equipment. No water additives, sealers or conditioners shall be added to the system water unless prior approved by the Hydronic Contractor. All boiler systems should be operated every two months for at least (5) FIVE minutes. Do not allow any hydronic heating system to stay idle for more than two months without operation.