Q-How much will it cost?

A-It all depends on heat Gain and Heat loss calculations. The quantity of mats is calculated base on this calculation and thus the cost of the system.

Q-If it does leak can it be repaired?

A-Yes, because the capillary tubes are all heat welded (no soldering, or adhesives), the repair is very simple by using a simple soldering tool to cap one of many strand of the supply and return tubing and still maintain its heating and cooling capacity which is 98% high thermal efficiency where as if a layer of water were underneath the plaster or drywall instead of the capillary tubes, a construction impossibility, where 100% would correspond to an homogenous net of water!

Q-The size of KaRo capillary Tube System makes me want to think of corrosion.

A-Water systems can become clogged through corrosion, if the water pipes are made of steel and oxygen penetrates the system. The KaRo system, on the other hand, cannot rust, because the water in the circulation system comes exclusively in contact with plastic and precious metals. The water remains enriched with oxygen and clear for many years. Therefore, with the KaRo system, it is unnecessary to add corrosion-inhibitors to the water. You just have to fill the system with simple tap water; no treatment is necessary.

Q-What about condensation?

A-KaRo works with a ventilation system that will dehumidified the air (latent load) and the Karo capillary tubes takes care the temperature (sensible load), and for extra security, the KaRo system is equipped with a dew point sensor to prevent condensation to develop.

Q-How does KaRo provide Indoor Air Quality and Energy Savings At the same time?

A-The only Air conditioning system that stops cross-contamination from bacteria herds is to have 100% outside air in each room. The combination of KaRo Sensible Cooling Ceiling associated with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System with a latent cooling avoid cross contamination of air in the rooms and save energy in at least seven ways.

1.    Separate ducted Fresh air ventilation path to the space assures that the ventilation air gets to the  occupied space.

2.    Providing outdoor air directly to the space easily accommodates after hours humidity and temperature control using a two speeds outside Air AHU. The tenants are always entering in a non-recirculated dehumidified room.

3.    Because the outdoor air is delivered directly to the space, the terminal cooling mats are not required to operate during unoccupied periods.

4.  The constant volume ventilation can be easily air balanced in the space since the ventilation air is delivered through dedicated diffusers and represent only 1/5 of the AC load.

5.    By decoupling temperature and humidity control, this significantly reduces blower power compared with a standard V.A.V. system. This applies to either chilled water system or a DX (Direct Expansion System)

6.  In Radiant Ceiling System water is used to transport the energy instead of air. The volume of water is1000 time less than the volume of air needed to transport the same energy.

7.       Because the ventilation make-up air is separately conditioned from the internal loads with the entire building humidity load is handled in the process, the radian cooling and heating ceiling will be operated separately to maintain temperature control. This enables the use of higher heat pump water temperature for the ceiling sensible load. Cooling water at 15^oC evaporative temperature at 8 to 10^oC increasing the COP of the compressor.

Q-Because you are basically running three Systems 1.Radiant Heating 2. Radiant Cooling  3.DOAS-Dedicated Outdoor Air System will it cost more than a Conventional system?

A-A general perception exist that replacing one system with two parallel systems, Radiant ceiling and a Dedicated Outdoor Air System with a latent cooling will cost more.

ASHRAE Journal 43 "Ceiling Panel Cooling System": List nine categories of building mechanical system and overall building reduced by Radiant Ceiling and D.O.A.S.

1. Reduced chiller tonnage.
2. Reduced chiller capacity.
3. Reduced condenser water pump capacity.
4. Reduced ductwork size and cross section.
5. Smaller air distribution plenums and thermal boxes
6. Reduce Air handler size.
7. Reduced electrical service in line with reduced peak chiller, blower and pump power.
8. Less "rent able" space air consumed by mechanical equipment
9. Reduced total floor height by a minimum of 12" per floor.

Q-Will Karo work where humidity weather conditions is high?

A-Yes, is a matter of fact KaRo is recently being used in Brazil.

The only limitation for the cooling of the KaRo ceiling is the dew point of the room air. In humid regions it is a must to combine the KaRo ceiling with a little air conditioning plant for an air volume of 1 to 2 changes of air volume per hour. The air conditioning plant is bringing the dew point of the air down to 12 to 14 C, a temperature the KaRo ceiling will work fine. For security reasons there is a dew point sensor to prevent condensation to develop.

In Europe more than 80% of the KaRo ceilings are installed in office buildings. But of course the advantage of no noise, no draft and little energy consumption is also enjoined in residential houses. 

Q- Have you install one here in the USA?

A- Yes, we have a demonstration home done by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Arizona State University, http://support.caed.asu.edu/radiant  but it is install throughout Europe and South America (see web link under Photo Gallery and our reference list), but more to come here in the US,

Stay Tune!