Radiant heating systems provide warmth to a dwelling by supplying heat directly to the floor or through panels in the wall or ceiling. These types of heating systems deliver what is called infrared or radiant heat. This type of heat is the effect felt when near a hot oven or stove-top.
Advantages of a Radiant Heat System
Radiant heating has several advantages. It is more energy efficient than baseboard heating or forced-air heating. Individuals who suffer from allergies find radiant heating reduces dust mites and air borne allergens by 60%-90%. Hydronic Systems use very little energy and can be heated with a wide variety of energy sources, including gas boilers, wood-fired boilers, solar water heaters or any combination thereof.
Types of Radiant Systems
When radiant heating is located in the floor, it is often called radiant floor heating or simply floor heating. But despite its title, radiant floor heating systems depend heavily on convection, the natural circulation of heat within a room, caused by heat rising from the floor.
At the present time, there are two types of radiant heating systems, radiant floor heating systems and radiant panels that are used in ceilings and walls.
Radiant Flooring Systems
Radiant floor heating systems can be subdivided further into three different types of radiant floor heat:
- Air Heated Radiant Floors
- Electric Radiant Floors
- Hot Water or Hydronic Radiant Floors.
All three types of flooring systems can also be categorized into the type of installation required. Flooring systems that make use of the large thermal mass of a concrete slab floor or lightweight concrete over a wooden subfloor are called wet installations. Systems in which the installer “sandwiches” the radiant floor tubing between two layers of plywood or attaches the tubing under the finished floor are referred to as dry installations.
Radiant Panels
Usually made of aluminum, wall and ceiling mounted radiant panels can be heated with either electricity or with tubing that carries hot water. Due to a concern about leakage, the majority of commercially advertised radiant panels are electrically heated. Radiant panels are pricey to install and can also be pricey to operate, but provide an option where a conventional heating system can not be extended or does not exist.
Energy savings for this product comes from the quick response time, providing a comfortable temperature in minutes and ability for each room to be individually controlled. Radiant panels have a low heat capacity and are the quickest in terms of response time of any heating technology, resulting in cost and energy savings when compared to other systems.
Some people prefer ceiling mounted systems. They find heating the top of the head and shoulders provides a more comfortable feeling when compared to wall mounted systems that heat the body.
A well designed and properly installed radiate heating system can provide an energy efficient alternative to traditional heating that will provide comfort and savings year after year.
Katrina Rief-Derrico - Katrina has over 19 years experience in the housing industry and is forever the student. Holistic health and wellness is her passion.
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