If you have a baseboard heater, you are aware of the difficulties in maintaining them. In certain situations, you might think about installing PEX on your baseboard heaters.
But you have to make sure it’s okay to do so as a responsible homeowner. It’s acceptable to use PEX for baseboard heating, in case you’ve been wondering about this for a while.
PEX has been a more popular option than copper piping for many years. It is made for closed-loop heating applications, flexible, long-lasting, and simple to install.
Because of the latter, it’s the best choice for baseboards. PEX can be used for radiant floor heating and ice melting in addition to baseboards. This cutting-edge pipe has many features and applications.
Things to Take Into Account Before Using PEX for Baseboard Heating
When using PEX for baseboard heat, there are a few things you should know about, just like with other kinds of pipes.
These elements will guarantee that PEX works more effectively and doesn’t impede the functionality of your baseboard heaters.
1. Despite its strong qualities, PEX has a low expansion capacity when exposed to low temperatures.
It is not recommended to use your baseboard heater in colder climates. One drawback of using PEX for baseboard heating is this.
2. The thing you need to think about is making sure the boiler produces enough heat—ideally 180 degrees.
This will guarantee that the pipe maintains an average temperature of 160 degrees as the heat moves through it.
3. Keeping your building or home in one loop is a pro tip that will net you big benefits.
It can be tempting to do the exact opposite with a PEX pipe. It is advisable to adhere to a single loop as it guarantees uniform dispersion of heat.
Why Should My Baseboard Heat Be Done With PEX?
There are a lot of different kinds of pipes that you can use for baseboard heating. Nonetheless, a few advantages set PEX apart from the competitors. Among these advantages are
- PEX resists the growth of mold and corrosion.
Although copper also has this feature, it can be helpful in maintaining the safety of your home and extending the life of the pipe.
- PEX’s flexibility is a crucial characteristic that makes it perfect for baseboard heaters.
There are certain places that are difficult to access throughout installation. If you have PEX, that need not be a reason for alarm.
- It is far less expensive than copper.
The cost of any home improvement project is inevitable. Ultimately, cost reduction should be your main objective. Because PEX pipes are so inexpensive, they can assist you with that.
- In general, PEX is simpler to use.
Both qualified technicians and plumbers are not the same as homeowners. Working with PEX makes installation simple. You should be able to install PEX on the baseboard heater much faster as a result.
It’s also crucial to understand that PEX fits without the need for solder. That means you will be spending less money.
The Drawbacks of Baseboard Heating With PEX Pipe
Like any other kind of pipe, PEX has flaws. The use of this pipe has two major disadvantages. It is highly susceptible to UV damage, to start.
Make sure the PEX pipe is positioned away from the sun when installing it on a baseboard heater. Its lifespan will be shortened by UV exposure. The inadequate tensile strength of PEX is another issue with its use.
It will remain bent if it is accidentally bent that way. It is important to exercise caution when handling PEX.
Exist Any Potential Problems When Using PEX for Baseboard Heating?
We can’t say that connecting PEX to a baseboard heater is an easy process. PEX is known to be cunning and can cause a variety of problems, even though the installation will be simple.
It is essential that you become familiar with these issues so that you can complete the task to the highest standard.
The tendency of PEX to come out in hot weather is one of the common problems with using it for baseboards.
In order to address this issue, first make sure that the PEX’s temperature rating corresponds with the baseboard heater’s.
Additionally, in order to guarantee that the PEX remains securely fastened to the baseboard, zip ties must be used as needed.
As we previously stated, PEX has a limited capacity for expansion. It should not be placed in cold climates as a result. What happens if using the PEX in frigid climates is your only choice? Does that imply that you are at a loss for what to do?
An additional option is called PAP (PEX-AL-PEX). Aluminum, adhesive, and plastic are used to create the five layers of the pipe.
PAP is suitable for installation in colder climates because it has a lower expansion coefficient than PEX while still offering all of PEX’s advantages.
It’s also important to know that PAP functions well in projects where the tube must not be buried in cement.
Where Can I Purchase Baseboard Heater PEX?
Obtaining some PEX is not too difficult. Amazon and other online retailers sell the product.
Simply put, all you need to do is place your order and wait for delivery. PEX is also available in nearby stores. But that will vary depending on where you live.
Which Kind Of PEX Is Best For Baseboard Heating?
That will vary depending on your goals. As you may already be aware, PEX comes in various colors. Red is the most popular color for baseboards since it conveys hot water.
It would be ideal if you became acquainted with the other colors as well. Blue is ours, and it transports cold water. Hot and cold water can be carried by a white PEX. This also holds true for gray PEX.
For baseboards, make sure you order the red PEX when placing your order. If you are purchasing online, additional information about the best uses for that type should be included in the description.
The red PEX on Amazon denotes that baseboard heaters can use it. There are three main grades of PEX, ranging from PEX A to PEX C, which you should be aware of when purchasing PEX for baseboard use.
Does the size of the PEX used for baseboard heaters matter?
Size is important in addition to other considerations. Using a PEX with an oxygen barrier is the first thing you should do to stop rust from developing throughout the system.
After that, you should carefully consider the pipe’s size and the required running length. In terms of size, a 3/4′′ copper should fit through a 5/8′′ PEX with ease. A crucial component is fitting, which you should do correctly.
A Baseboard Heater: What Is It?
We need to investigate the latter more thoroughly now that you are aware that baseboard heat can be achieved with PEX. The majority of owners of baseboard heaters are unaware of their operation.
To guarantee that your baseboard heaters are providing you with the best service possible, it is essential that you educate yourself on the subject.
One gadget that lets you control the temperature in each room is a baseboard heater. In contrast to whole HVAC systems that circulate air throughout the house, baseboard heaters operate on their own.
Heating ducts or a furnace are not necessary for these zone heaters. A baseboard heater is situated at the base of a wall, as the name would imply. Because of this, they are ugly and may make it difficult for you to decorate your house.
There are various kinds of baseboard heaters available. The hydronic and gas options are available. Additionally, the hydronic uses hot baseboard heat. This one distributes hot water throughout a house.
Additionally, a baseboard heater has a lot of benefits. For example, it has zone heating and is quiet. This enables you to adjust the interior temperature to your desired level.
It should be noted that setting up a system of this kind is not too difficult. It’s also less expensive. Baseboard heat is a good option if you detest investing a lot of money and effort in HVAC system installation.
Why Is PEX a Better Option Than Other Pipes for Baseboard Heaters?
Let us take you back in time to demonstrate why PEX is superior to other pipes. Copper was used by builders prior to PEX.
Installing this material required more time because each connection needed to be torched. If all connections weren’t burned, the pressure readings would be extremely high.
PVC, which was derived from copper, was not without its problems. It required glue to make the connections stick, and it wore out more quickly.
But as PEX gained traction, builders saw it as a far superior choice. The time needed for installation was nearly halved compared to using copper and PVC.
Aside from that, it is highly adaptable and simple to enter confined spaces. It’s also far more robust and affordable. Since the development of PEX, builders have never turned back.
