Radiant Heating
In a world where people are keenly aware of the need to protect our resources, more and more homeowners are looking to be energy efficient. One of these ways may be to incorporate radiant floor heating which offers energy-efficient heat without the need for ductwork. The cost will be a little more up front, but the savings will be there in the years to come.
There are two types of radiant heating systems:
- Electric
- Hydronic
Electric Radiant Heating System
This system relies on a network of cables installed between the floor and subfloor. Electricity heats the cables, and the cables, in turn, heat the floor. This is a nice choice for a smaller room like a master bath. Electric radiant heating would be extremely expensive to do throughout the entire home, which brings us to the second type of radiant heating – Hydronic.
Hydronic Radiant Heating System
This system works by circulating boiler-heated water through tubing below the floor and offers a comparative different experience than forced air. Forced air systems heat inconsistently and incompletely. Hydronic radiant heat provides comprehensive warmth and ensures consistent temperatures from one wall to the other and one room to the next. In the end, electric radiant heat is a great supplement, but hydronic competes with and transcends traditional whole-home systems. Not only can they heat the whole home but do so at least 25 percent more efficiently that forced air.
In floor heating is an easy and energy efficient way to warm your home and keep your feet snug. Under floor heating offers quicker heat up times than central heating and runs at lower temperatures while producing the same level of warmth.
If you would like more information on incorporating radiant heating in your new or remodeled home, be sure to let us know. J&J Builders of Northeast Wisconsin will ensure that your home will be as energy efficient as you would like it to be.
Learn more about radiant heat at Energy.gov
