Contractor FAQ

How long has Uponor radiant floor heating been around?

The first to bring radiant heating to North America in the mid-1980s, Uponor
(formerly Wirsbo) has been manufacturing PEX piping and designing, training,
and supporting contractors with quality systems and solutions longer than any
other radiant provider

What kind of PEX pipe goes into a radiant heating system?

Radiant systems require PEX pipe with an oxygen barrier to ensure oxygen
doesn’t enter the system and corrode the ferrous components. Uponor
manufactures Wirsbo hePEX™ oxygen-barrier pipe, which is “PEX-a” pipe that
features the highest degree of crosslinking for the most durability and flexibility

In addition to PEX pipe, what other radiant components does Uponor offer?

Uponor offers fittings, valves, manifolds, radiant panels, controls, tools, and other
accessories. For the complete offering, refer to the Uponor Product Catalog 

How does the Smatrix Pulse control system work

Smatrix Pulse includes one or multiple Controllers, an optional Communication
Module (for Internet and smart home connectivity), an Antenna (for systems
without Internet or smart home connectivity), an Expansion Module, a Relay
Module, Digital Thermostats, Mini Sensors, and Actuators. The Controller receives
data from the Digital Thermostats and/or Mini Sensors to operate actuators based on system parameters.

One Controller can operate up to six (6)
thermostats and eight (8) actuators. An Expansion Module adds an additional six
(6) thermostats and six (6) actuators.

How is Smatrix Pulse different from other smart radiant control systems?

Smatrix Pulse is different in three key areas:

• Other smart thermostats still have wires.
• Other smart thermostats aren’t designed specifically for radiant heat, which means there is a potential limit on zones from the same IP address.
• Other radiant controls don’t work well with air-side integration for heating and cooling

What is the autobalancing technology in the Smatrix Pulse control system?

This technology calculates the actual energy need of single rooms and adapts
the heat output of each loop by controlling the actuator’s on and off cycle. This
means a short loop might get 20% on time while a long loop might get 60%. The
automatic balancing continues through the seasons and throughout the
household’s changing lifestyle and usage patterns, removing the need for
manual balancing and providing greater energy efficiency for the system.

What is the maximum distance for the wireless thermostats?

The maximum distance through typical building construction materials is 98 ft. (30
m) from the Controller.

Where do you get the Smatrix Pulse App?

Download the Smatrix Pulse App from Google Play or the Apple App Store

Will Smatrix Pulse work with any boiler/furnace available in the market?

Yes, if it’s a straight dry contact (switch only)

What happens if the Internet goes out?

If the home loses Internet connection, the system will still operate with standard
functionality. Smart Home functionality will automatically resume when Internet
connectivity is restored

What is the warranty on Smatrix Pulse?

The Smatrix Pulse system is covered by a two-year warranty.

What kind of radiant design support does Uponor offer?

Uponor Construction Services provides a complete offering from drawings and
loop layouts to a bill of materials. These experts in radiant design will help you
negotiate the complexities of modern construction techniques and code
requirements.

What kind of training does Uponor offer professional contractors

Uponor offers in-person classroom training, online training, and job-site training to
help professional contractors succeed in their radiant projects. In fact, more than
100,000 professionals have been trained over the past several decades.

What is the warranty on an Uponor radiant heating system?

The PEX pipe and ProPEX fittings in an Uponor radiant system are covered by a
25-year transferable limited warranty. The other accessories and controls are
covered by various warranties that range from two to five years.

What if the piping leaks?

Because Wirsbo hePEX pipe is available in long coil lengths up to 1,000 feet, the
pipe can be installed in one continuous run without the need for a connection.
However, if a connection is necessary, Uponor ProPEX® expansion connections
are a consistent, reliable system that are approved for burial in the slab. ProPEX
fittings provide 100% visible connections and eliminate dry fit concerns, making it
easy to do the job right the first time.

Does a home still need a forced-air system with radiant?

If there’s a need for cooling, ventilation, and air filtration, there will still be a need
for a forced-air system.

What type of flooring can you use with a radiant system?

Radiant systems can work with any flooring type, including hardwood, luxury vinyl
plank, laminate, slate, tile, marble, linoleum, bamboo, cork, concrete, and
carpet. However, it is important to note that carpet and heavy pads prevent the
heat from reaching the floor surface, so they typically reduce the efficiency of
radiant systems.

Can the floor get too hot?

No, a properly designed radiant floor heating system will deliver the optimal
temperatures to provide ideal comfort. Additionally, radiant controls also ensure
the system does not overheat the floor.

What if the space needs additional heat?

You can install radiant walls and/or ceilings to provide supplemental heat.
Contact Uponor Construction Services for information about the most efficient
design for a particular project.

Can only certain areas of a home have radiant?

Radiant is extremely flexible. A home can be heated entirely with radiant or just
have one or two rooms heated, such as master bathrooms or basements. Some
northern regions even use radiant to heat garages or melt snow off driveways
and walkways.

If the concrete floor is already poured, is it too late for radiant?

Not at all. Quik Trak wood panels and Fast Trak knobbed mats are ideal for
concrete slabs.

Can radiant be roughed in during construction for future use?

Yes! You can install the radiant pipe in the concrete slab during construction
(which is the most cost-effective method), then the homeowners can have the
system finished later when they are ready.

Does the radiant system require any maintenance?

The highly durable Wirsbo hePEX tubing does not require any maintenance.
Other components, including pumps and boilers, may require maintenance, so it
is important to refer to those respective manufacturers for maintenance
information.