Home heating isn’t exactly a top priority for many home owners. However, if you found yourself struggling during the winter months, you might want to think about your current heating solution. If you survey your options now, you will see that the home heating market has significantly changed. The leading heating technology is still the traditional forced-air system but it’s consistently expensive with a hit-or-miss performance. If you want to explore your options, you might want to look into radiant heat systems.
Radiant heating systems are not exactly new but it’s gaining popularity among home owners in the U.S. If you’re in the market for a radiant heating unit, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for some important information that will help you decide if radiant heating is right for your home.
Types of Radiant Heat Systems
There is no one radiant heating system that will suit all situations. This is why it’s important that you know the two main types of radiant systems so you install the best unit for your home.
1. Electric Radiant Heating
This system is composed of either electric coils or cables that produce heat using electrical energy. The heated coils are wrapped in polymer and have very high resistance to electricity, allowing them to emit heat once powered up. The polymer sheets are good conductors of heat.
On the other hand, the cable radiant heaters are often pre-attached to panels or mats for easy installation. These are commonly installed beneath the floor, usually under concrete or ceramic tiles. The tubes or cables will then heat up the panel and provide warmth. These days, electric radiant systems can be installed on the floor, wall or ceiling.
While electric radiant units are efficient and have lower up-front costs, they are not ideal for heating the entire house since they totally rely on electricity. However, they succeed as supplemental heating for small areas like a bathroom or bedroom. If you want a system that will warm the entire house, you might want to check out the next type.
2. Hydronic
Hydronic systems utilize heated water to transfer and distribute heat to a living space. It features a central boiler that pumps heated water through a network of tubes that passes beneath the floor, wall or ceiling. Hydronic is a much more cost-effective radiant heating option since you have several choices of fuel for heating up the water. You may use propane, gas, oil, wood and even renewable sources like solar energy.
Installation of hydronic systems is rather complex which is why you need to work with HVAC technicians throughout the process. It’s a good thing that manufacturers are actively working on putting out systems that are easy to install. These days, you can even find slimmer units that can be installed within any existing structures.
Is Radiant Heat Right for Me?
To find out if radiant heating is right for your home, answer the questions below:
Are You Looking for a More Cost-Efficient Heating Solution?
If you are currently using a forced-air heater, you will notice that you are paying a premium during the colder months. This is because forced-air systems are very prone to leaks. The ducts and vents are far from perfect and they tend to release some of the heated air. The furnace will then need to compensate just to maintain the temperature set in the thermostat.
Radiant heaters are energy-efficient because they minimize heat loss. They also deliver a higher level of comfort at lower temperatures. No more uncomfortable temperature swings.
Is Anyone in the House Suffering From Allergies?
Ideally, forced-air systems are designed to distribute warm air through your home. Unfortunately, those ducts and vents are guaranteed to gather impurities such as dust, spores, and germs. This leads to poor air quality which can trigger conditions such as allergies and asthma.
Radiant heating doesn’t utilize air in any way, so allergens and other airborne contaminants are not disturbed and distributed. This means better air quality and more comfortable living conditions for those who suffer from allergies.
Are Certain Rooms in Your House Colder Than Others?
Forced-air heating is notorious for uneven heating. It is always the warmest when you are near the vent. This is why some rooms feel colder than the others. With this system, hot air is not evenly distributed and tend to rise to the ceiling or upper rooms.
Radiant systems provide warmth in a more uniform manner. Whether you install it on your floor, wall or ceiling, every inch of the living space will enjoy the consistent heat.
Is Radiant Heating a Good Alternative?
Radiant heating systems are definitely becoming more popular among home owners. They offer great benefits that might be enough to convince anyone to ditch their old furnace. However, they can be a hefty investment so it’s always best to research your options before switching.
For more information about radiant heating or just home heating in general, check out BestElectricFireplaces.net. From how-to guides to product reviews, it is a great resource for home owners looking to get the most out of their heating systems.