Water softener Radiant heating question

[William Berry]

Adding water softener to 14 year old Radiant heating system good or bad idea ? Changing 14 year old tank tomorrow from a 50 Smith to a 75 Bradford noticed floor not as warm as past years so thinking of adding a fleck system. darn internet same question two different answers what do the pros think water hardness is 12, radiant heat is 1200sq foot basement plus 2 car garage

 

[CountryBumkin]

I don't know the answer to question - but want to ask a question of my own.
I've read about radiant floor heat systems - but i have never heard of one where the water used for the floor heating is also the same hot water used for drinking/washing. Is that what you're saying you have? That's what I assuming - else I don't know why you would be considering adding a softener.

All of the radiant floor heat systems I've read about use a closed system where the floor heating water is in a closed system (loop).

Could the change in floor temperature just be due to a lower setting on the WH thermostat (or a failing element)?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

A radiant, or ANY heating, system should almost NEVER need "make up water", so it is immaterial whether it it softened or not.