Heat Pumps
Design & Installation
Air-to-Water
Hydronics

Hydronic Distribution Systems for Heat Pumps

John Siegenthaler • Last updated 10/2023

Course description

This course explains the how hydronic heat emitters & distribution systems for heat pumps work. We'll dive into the weeds and look at example systems. It was designed for HVAC engineers, salespeople, and technicians.

This is course is part of our "Heat Pump System Design & Installation" series. You can take an individual course or enroll in the full program, which was created to provide a complete understanding of the design and installation of heat pumps systems.

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for: 1 BPI CEUs.

Full course outline

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Why hydronics?

This module described the fundamental "physics" that allows hydronic-based systems to offer several unique benefits relative to forced air systems.

  • Why hydronics? (21:43 minutes)
Module 2 - The importance of low temperature distribution systems

This module explains why low temperature distribution systems are critical in optimizing the efficiency of contemporary heat sources. It also compares the thermal mass of different heat emitters, and explains the concept of thermal equilibrium.

  • The importance of low temperature distribution systems (19:57 minutes)
Module 3 - Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters

This module described several types of hydronic heat emitters that can be used with systems supplied by heat pumps. It covers construction details and thermal performance factors.

  • Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters (36:12 minutes)
Module 4 - Radiant floor heating

This module describes several methods of installing radiant floor heating. Each installation method is shown along with related thermal performance characteristics.

  • Radiant floor heating (31:21 minutes)
Module 5 - Air handlers and fancoils

This module covers the physical configuration and thermal performance of air handlers and fancoils that can be used with hydronic-based heat pumps.

  • Air handlers and fancoils (10:07 minutes)
Module 6 - Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems

This module shows one of the simplest and best performing hydronic distribution systems for use with hydronic heat pumps.

  • Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems (20:12 minutes)
Module 7 - Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems

This module explains different approaches that can significantly lower the required design load water temperature in existing hydronic systems that allow improved performance with hydronic-based heat pumps.

  • Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems (29:07 minutes)
Conclusion - Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • End of Course Knowledge Check
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructor

John Siegenthaler

P.E., Appropriate Designs

John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a licensed professional engineer, and Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology at Mohawk Valley Community College. “Siggy” has over 40 years of experience in designing modern hydronic systems. He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a... Learn more

$295

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 7 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.

How long do I have access to the materials?

Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

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