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We do not recommend or support open-loop heating systems.
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Why?
The low temperatures of a radiant floor system can become a breeding ground for potentially fatal
bacteria. This opinion is based upon our experience along with National, state and university
studies and warnings. This is what some sources say about safe potable water temperatures.
Contracting potentially fatal, pneumonia-like Legionnaires' disease from hot water that isn't hot
enough. New research, published last fall (see website
http://www.legionella.org/faq_professional.htm#a7)
makes clear the dangers of Legionella bacteria and how grossly under diagnosed Legionnaires' disease
is. (Legionella is a water-borne bacterium and is the cause of Legionnaires disease) The title
of the published study is Legionnaires' Disease Contracted from Patient Homes: The Coming of the
Third Plague?
Indeed, the federal
Centers for Disease Control website (
www.cdc.gov) says that 8,000 to 18,000
people contract Legionnaires' disease each year, with the illness fatal in 5%-30% of the cases.
The study recaps data documenting the presence of Legionella bacteria in residential water systems
because of water heaters being set above 95°F and below 140°F is a
perfect habitat for growth. Because the bacterium enjoys warm water environments, it's a potential
problem in hot water distribution systems.
When your domestic hot water tank reach temperatures above
120°F, it is important to put in an anti scalding mixing valve to prevent scalding injuries.
We would be happy to help you with a closed system using a
heat exchanger or primary/secondary loops.
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