Design Services
 & Fees

Don't compromise your new system! 

     Many poor performing heating systems are often the result of improper design. It is imperative that a proper design be established prior to installation. Inaccurate heat loss calculation on a room-by-room basis,  may result in poor performing, undersized or oversized systems. The type of system must be selected based on the level of sophistication. 

Many factors affect a system's output, as well as it's design, such as insulation values, floor coverings, multilevel interaction, floor temperature limitations, and heat source type. All of these conditions are used with the aid of computer simulation to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness of a system. Additionally, most radiant heating systems are integrating into a structure in such a manner that they become a permanent part of the building.  In addition to providing accuracy and clarity, advantages to having a professional system design are:

• A record set for the owner and future owners. 

• Compatibility of different floor coverings to system type and space heating needs.

• Experienced recommendations on zone strategies, including layout of manifolds and tubing based on construction type.

• Proper specification of heat source and components to fit construction type.

• Clients can get "apples to apples" bids from prospective installation contractors. 

• An engineered system can save money, time and headaches. 

• A system design that best matches the construction type and provides strategic zone control.

Benefits to the Owner:

     By having NRDC design your system, you will have the piece of mind of knowing that your system will work perfectly, and with the exact desired functionality that you wanted in your new or retrofit application. NRDC works with the client to provide advantages and disadvantages on various types of systems and will work to match a system that best matches the construction type. With NRDC's expertise, options on different heat sources and controls is presented to allow the customer to make good decisions on their comfort system. When it comes time for installation of a system, an NRDC plan can be used to get the owner "apples to apples" bids from prospective installation contractors. Since a properly designed and installed radiant heating system adds value to the home, a NRDC plan provides a permanent record of the system for resale or for future renovations. With an NRDC designed system, owners can rest easy knowing they will have the most comfortable heating system that can be provided at their budget.

Benefits to the Architect or Designer:

      A NRDC plan may be used as a complete mechanical system than can be incorporated into submittal plans. A "complete heating system design" may be used as a selling feature to a client. Having worked on thousands of different types of construction, NRDC can offer expert advice for the integration of the mechanical system into the design as well as advice on which type of system is best suited for different types of construction. NRDC may provide information on integration of the system into the building controls if applicable. Consultation is available on how systems will work with different floor coverings, ceiling heights, window configurations and multilevel, multi-zoned homes and buildings, as is often required by building departments,

Benefits to the Installer:

     With a complete NRDC plan, the installation contractor can quickly get material takeoffs for bids. All components including distribution piping and exact circuit lengths are already sized. NRDC provides balancing data for all circuits in a clear concise table. Installers can then spend less time fumbling with design aspects and more time getting systems installed. NRDC plans are a good selling feature when speaking to prospective clients as having "plans engineered to ensure proper operation". With a plan the client will know exactly what they are getting prior to work, which saves time for you and the client in the long run. You will also be providing the owner with a clear, permanent record of the system.

The NRDC Design Advantage:

     As a national leader and independent source of design and consultation, NRDC works with homeowners, architects, installation contractors, and manufacturers to design custom or production heating systems for a variety of both residential and commercial buildings. With over 20 years of experience in the radiant industry and having designed over 5,000 systems over much of the US and many parts of the world, NRDC has the experience and knowledge to design a perfect operating system that best matches the type of construction. Advantages to an NRDC designed system include:

• Consultation on advantages/disadvantages of different systems

• Insures a perfect operating system when the job is complete

• Experience with integrating all types of systems such as solar, geothermal, pool, etc.

• Will work within budgets to design effective system including optimum heat source

• Proper documentation that building departments require for a building permit

• Accurate heat loss calculations and properly sized heat sources, pumps, valves, controls, etc ensures specification of the proper equipment for the most efficient system operation.

A NRDC design - What you get:

1. Full size sheets showing plan view of tubing layout including locations of manifolds, heat source and components.
2. System balancing data - computer simulation report that summarizes zones, flows, water temperatures, and tube lengths which allows the installer to properly bid, install and balance the system for optimal performance.
3. Complete component schematic including specifications on heat sources, pumps, valves, manifolds, expansion tank, etc. and sizing of distribution piping.
4. Installation notes and details.
5. System controls page providing controls schemes.
6. Recommendations on suppliers and contractors local to your area.

 *NRDC designs conform to both RPA and I=B=R standard
  guidelines for the design and installation of radiant heating system
  as well as national UBC, UPC and UMC code.

Fees: 

Full System Design Fees

• Full system design for conventional residence                 
• (1,000 Sq. Ft. and under)                                $400 - $600
• (1,000 to 2000 Sq. Ft.)                                    $600 - $1200
• (Over 2000 Sq. Ft.)                                          $0.50 - $0.60/Sq. Ft.

Full System Design Includes:

• Plan view of tubing layout
• Heat load calculation
• Complete heat source installation schematic including component sizing and specifications
• Manifold and tubing installation details
• System installation notes
• Complete system balancing data
• List of materials

Panel and Tubing Layouts Only -  Design Fees:

• Basic (thermal mass system) tubing layout
• (1,000 Sq.Ft. and under)                                $200 - $350
• (1,000 to 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                   $350 - $700
• (Over 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                        $0.20 - $0.35/Sq. Ft.
• Warmboard tubing layout**
• (1,000 Sq.Ft. and under)                                $300 - $450
• (1,000 to 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                   $400 - $600
• (Over 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                        $0.25 - $0.35/Sq. Ft.
• Thermalboard / Quick Trak tubing layout
• (1,000 Sq.Ft. and under)                                $200 - $350
• (1,000 to 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                   $350 - $700
• (Over 2,000 Sq.Ft.)                                        $0.20 - $0.35/Sq. Ft.

**Warmboard may offer partial design refunds with the purchase of product.
   Call Warmboard at (877) 338-5493 for details.

Charges in Addition to the Above Basic Fee:

• Digitizing of Hand-drawn plans:
  NRDC produces all work in CAD and requires that any hand-drawn plans be converted into digital format for our designs. These digital backgrounds will be available to you for your use upon our delivery of your design.
                                             Fee……………. Add $50/1000 Sq. Ft

• Printing / Plotting:
  NRDC will plot out your finished designs at your request. There are several plot sizes and paper types to choose from to match your needs. NRDC typically outsources printing charges.
                                                Fee…………….Call for details

• Shipping of plotted designs:
  NRDC charges a fixed fee for Ground and Overnight deliveries. We will ship them directly to you, as well as your client, by request. Unless other wise requested, designs will be shipped UPS Ground.

                                                        Fee…………….$15.00 for Ground
                                                                                    $40.00 for Overnight

Note: If additional engineering services are requested (such as solar tie-in, pool heating tie-in, etc), then these additional services shall be billed out at our normal hourly rates as follows: 

Hourly Rate Sheet 

Lets get started! 
If you have read about the "Benefits of Radiant" and
 "Answers to Often Asked Questions"  to help you determine if 
radiant heating is right for you, then please visit our Contact Us page!

Or simply contact us via phone at (831) 333-1130
or email us at info@nationalradiant.com
and an NRDC representative will soon
be contacting you.