In this episode of the Build Show, Jake heads north to tour Eric’s shop and break down how radiant heating performs across different climate zones. Eric walks through his hydronic system—PEX tubing embedded in an insulated concrete slab, powered by a high-efficiency combi boiler—and explains how outdoor-reset controls, pump modulation, and warm-weather shutdown optimize comfort and energy use. They discuss cold-climate challenges, glycol protection, and how loop placement affects freeze risk. Jake then explores options for shops without natural gas, leading to a deep dive on air-to-water heat pumps and why they’re becoming a strong alternative for radiant systems in both moderate and cold climates. It’s a practical look at modern hydronics, system design, and choosing the right heat source for your build.

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