If you are considering radiant heating in your home, it is important that you understand the basics of this system to better decide if this is the right choice for your home and budget. Let the heating and cooling experts at ADA Heating and Air show you a few things you should know about your home’s radiant heating system.
What is radiant heating?
Radiant heating systems are unique in that they supply heat directly to specific areas in the home, like the floor or ceiling panels. Rather than heating the entire room with convection heating, which increases the temperature of the entire space, radiant heating only heats specific areas without heating the entire room. Radiant heating utilizes a hydronic, or liquid-based system or an electrical radiant system to heat panels that are located on the ceiling, floor, or wall.
Types of Radiant Heating
Electric Radiant
Electric radiant systems usually contain electric cables that are built into the floor beneath tile and concrete. Because electricity can be costly, these systems can be pricey when they are used frequently. Depending on the thickness of the tile or concrete in your home, you can “charge” the concrete in your home during peak electricity hours. This allows you to actively heat the floor for a specific amount of time, cut off the electricity to the area, and then let the residual heat keep your home warm for up to ten hours.
Hydronic Radiant
Hydronic radiant systems are the most cost-effective and thus the most popular system choice. Hydronic systems pump heated water throughout a tubing system that is installed beneath your flooring. This heated water, which is supplied from a separate water heater in your home, passes through patterns of pipes, valves, and pumps to heat your floor. The system is controlled by a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the floor.
Radiant Panels
In addition to heated flooring, radiant heating can be used in panels on your ceiling and walls. These panels are traditionally made of aluminum and are heated with either electricity or hydronic systems, depending on what you choose. While radiant panels are expensive, they are ideal for areas that are added on to a home after the home is finished because the cost of extending or rerouting your traditional heating system will far surpass the cost of these panels.
Advantages to Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is more effective than traditional heating methods because it is more efficient, supplying heat directly to the area without the risk of heat loss throughout the ducts. Radiant heating is ideal for homeowners with allergy issues because air is not forced throughout the home, which can disrupt allergens and disperse them through the home. Because radiant heating systems function with heated liquid, radiant heating systems use less energy than traditional heating methods, which saves you money on your electricity costs.
If you have more questions about radiant heating or which type of system is right for you, contact the experts at ADA Heating and Air today! Our team of experienced professionals can help you choose the best radiant heating for your home, ensure that your installation runs smoothly, and maintain your system once it is installed. Serving Central Kentucky, including Danville, Versailles, Nicholasville, Stanford, Lancaster, Harrodsburg, Lexington, Winchester, since 1984, a member of the BBB, Angie’s List, and many other formidable accreditations, you can rest easy knowing that you have chosen the best company for your heating project.
