First used by the Romans, today there are numerous advanced versions of what is called radiant hydronic heat. Just what is hydronic or radiant heat? Simply put, radiant hydronic heating is a process that utilizes water to warm ones home.
This methodology is created via the use of a tubing system that runs just beneath the floor and/or walls of a structure. The tubes carry heated fluid that is channeled through baseboard heaters and radiators to heat the rooms in your home or office.
Hydronic heating systems are often found to be energy efficient environmentally friendly making them a well sought after home or business investment.
More about radiant heating
Homebuyers investigating cost effective ways to keep their homes snug and toasty during the winter months need look no further than hydronic radiant heat. What makes hydronic systems such a great central heating method is the fact that heating is localized in areas that are often chilled during winter months, like walls and floors.
As anyone who has groggily gotten out of bed at 2 a.m. in the morning can attest, touching a ice cold wood floor will certainly jar you wide awake.
Hydronic radiant heat keeps the floors and walls heated to comfortable temperatures. This in turn aids in maintaining a pleasant and relaxing interior environment.
Does Radiant Heating Require Special Flooring?
Many heating and air specialists get asked this question all the time. In the earliest incarnation of radiant heating, it was preferable that the home have concrete, stone or marble flooring. Today, advancements in hydronic radiant heating materials, equipment and installation techniques has made it possible to be utilized in homes with carpet, vinyl and wood flooring as well.
Unparalleled Comfort and Energy Savings
Hydronic radiant heating is unmatched in terms of comfort and sustainability. Most central forced air systems channel air and heat through ducts which can leave cold and or hot spots in certain areas. In other words, the room or space is not heated evenly.
Because hydronic radiant heating utilizes piping that can wind through walls and floors you get a more even result.
Also:
- Because of the very nature of this type of radiant heat, energy costs are kept low, especially in comparison to gas or electrical heating methods.
- Hydronic radiant heating is far cleaner than HVAC systems as there is less propensity to blow dust and pollutants into the air via vents
- Hydronic heating units also run very quietly, a plus over other heating methods which can be quite noisy, especially those that use ducts, furnaces and boilers.
- Non-invasive as well, hydronic radiant heating systems do not interrupt the decor of your home or office.
There are many, many more tremendous advantages to utilizing hydronic radiant heat.
Indeed, contacting a local heating and air specialist is a smart move for anyone who desires to learn more about what this type of system can provide.
Radiant Heating Costs
With a boiler, a hydronic heating unit can cost about $7,000 to $13,000. Although more expensive than a traditional HVAC unit, radiant heating systems last longer (up to 40 years compared to central forced air, which last between 10-25). It can also increase energy proficiency by 40 percent.
This makes a hydronic radiant heating system a wise investment for savvy home buyer who wants to increase their property value as well as keep the long, hard winter nights at bay.