Warmboard, invented in 1992, is a radiant heating system that is manufactured in the United States. This system heats water, which is conducted through floorboards. These systems are compatible with solar thermal and geothermal, though it can also be used with electricity, natural gas, or propane.

Energy Savings for Radiant Heating

According to a study performed at Kansas State University in conjunction with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), radiant heated homes are 25% more efficient than forced air heated homes. Warmboard claims that this will lower an energy bill by 20 to 40 percent.

Since Warmboard claims it is the most conductive of radiant heat systems, it can use lower water temperatures to heat – meaning that is the most efficient radiant heating system on the market. This means maximized energy savings.

While radiant heating systems are most frequently used in residential construction, more commercial building projects are “going radiant”. In fact, Warmboard was selected as the radiant heating system in a remodel of the Radiant Panel Association’s offices.

Warmboard vs. Warmboard-R

Warmboard offers both the Warmboard and Warmboard-R.

The Warmboard is 1 1/8” thick and sold in 4’ x 8’ sheets with full-faced tongue and groove. It is made from Douglas Fir 7 ply plywood and has .025” aluminum bonded to the surface.

The Warmboard-R is 13/16” thick and sold in 2’ x 4’ panels. It is made of aspen and pine oriented straw board and has the same aluminum bonded to the surface.

Since the Warmboard-R is thinner than the Warmboard, it is better suited for renovations and remodeling. However, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing between the two models, and Warmboard’s staff will guide customers through this process.

Warmboards can be installed for zone heating, meaning that the building occupants can control when each space is heated. Zone heating reduces energy use, further maximizing the energy savings of radiant heat.

 

As previously mentioned, radiant heating is most frequently used in residential applications. Therefore, Warmboard may be most applicable to the LEED for Homes rating system. Warmboard has produced a PDF that shows the potential credits that its products may help to earn for LEED for Homes projects.

Warmboard claims that its products could help to earn up to 11 points in Energy and Atmosphere (EA) and 4 points in Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ). Some credits that Warmboard may help to earn are as follows:

• EA Credit 5, Heating and Cooling Distribution System: The radiant heating system can use at least R-3 insulation around distribution points, meeting the prerequisite portion of this credit. Additionally, Warmboard can help to earn 2 points for Credit 5.2, which requires the entire heating system to be contained within the conditioned envelope. Also, the system can be installed with an outdoor reset control, which will earn one point under Credit 5.3.

• EQ Credit 6, Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling: A radiant heat system will meet the prerequisite for this credit if design calculations are performed room-by-room. Warmboard can help to earn 1 point for Credit 6.2 if the system incorporates thermostatic control in each room. Also, Warmboard can help to earn 2 points for Credit 6.3 if at least two distinct zones with independent controls are designed and installed.

• EQ Credit 8, Contaminant Control: By using a radiant floor heating system without ducts, the home will be awarded 1 point under Credit 8.1, Indoor Contaminant Control During Construction.

However, Warmboard is not limited to the LEED for Homes rating system. For other LEED rating systems, Warmboard thermal heating may help to earn the following credits:

• EA Prerequisite 2, Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance: Since Warmboard radiant heating systems are shown to be energy efficient, they may help to meet the prerequisite or earn points for the project’s energy performance.

• EQ Credit 7.1, Thermal Comfort – Design: Since Warmboard can be designed for zoned heating with occupant control, it may help to earn 1 point for thermal comfort.

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