Conventional heating systems use forced air, radiators or baseboard heaters to warm the ambient air in a room. The result? The heat rises to the ceiling, and the floors stay chilly. Brrr! Because of their cold feet, many people get into the habit of jacking up the thermostat in order to feel warmer. This also jacks up their heating bill and it causes overly dry air. But with radiant heating, you won’t have a dry, overheated home or the electricity bills that come with it.
Soaring temperatures
Radiant heating is recognized as one of the most pleasant and comfortable heating methods available. You could compare the technology to the way a sunbaked stone holds heat. That’s because radiant heating warms the floor and walls rather than the air, which allows for the even distribution of heat straight up from floor level. The absorbed heat is redistributed throughout the room, creating a feeling of well-being, comfort and warmth. Best of all, though, is it should reduce your heating costs.
Heat transfer at your service
In addition to helping you save money, radiant heating provides a constant, non-drying heat. Underfloor heating is the most popular form of radiant heating, but it can be installed behind walls or ceilings. It can also heat water in an eco-friendly way, just like electric water heaters or solar thermal collectors.
Heat, glorious heat
Now that you know how radiant heating provides evenly distributed heat to a home, here are some of its other advantages.
- Radiant heat reduces dust and germ circulation, and thus the risk of allergies.
- It doesn’t require any annual maintenance.
- It’s more energy efficient than electric baseboard or forced air heating systems.
- It’s easy to install.
- It adapts to all shapes and sizes of rooms.
- It allows you to reduce your environmental footprint.
- It can increase the resale value of a property.
- There are no constraints as far as space or decorating are concerned.
- Rooms are maintained at a constant temperature.
- It can be used as a primary or supplementary heating system.
Radiant heating is also available in a "snowmelt" version for asphalt or concrete. That’s an option that will warm many hearts when winter comes.
Installation
Unless you’re good with your hands and have some knowledge about heating systems and renovating, the installation of your radiant heating should be done by a professional. A specialist will be able to tell you about the different energy sources that can be used—electric, solar or geothermal—as well as the materials compatible with this type of system.
