A radiant heating system (also called hydronic) uses an efficient combination of hot water pumped through tubes to warm the floor. Unlike traditional forced-air heating, where hot air blows to heat the air, radiant heat uses the principle of radiation to heat the surface. As shown in the figure below, radiant heat warms the occupants, not the space — an important distinction. The result is a wonderfully comfortable and cozy feeling of warmth.
Here are the advantages that a radiant heating system offers:
- Comfort: Because the heat source is under the floor, temperatures are warmer at floor level (where you are) and the heat rises to the ceiling. Because the floor is warm, walking barefoot and sitting on the floor are cozy possibilities.
- Dust-free: No air is pushed around in radiant heating, which means it offers a dust and pollen-free alternative for those suffering from allergies or asthma.
- Not drying: Unlike forced hot air, radiant heating will not dry out the air.
- Safe for kids: Children are safe from contact with hot radiators or dirty vent ducts.
- Quiet and maintenance free: A radiant heat system is virtually noise and maintenance free.
The hot water in the tubes can be produced through a gas or electric boiler or hot water heater. If you’re generating your own electricity with solar panels, the electric version is a better choice. The best and most energy-efficient option would be the addition of a solar water heater on the roof to preheat the water and reduce the operation of the boiler.
Although you can adapt a radiant system for any floor type, an earthen floor or concrete slab works best. The thermal mass of these floors holds in the heat from the tubes and will maintain a much more consistent temperature. Radiant heat can be installed in both floor-joist systems and slab floors, but installing it into a slab will be slightly less expensive because it’s easier. When installing over wood floor joists, special products are now available to make installation easier. Products such as Warmboard (www.warmboard.com) are plywood panels with precut grooves. The tubes are set into the grooves, hastening installation.
Tip: As a general rule, a radiant heating system will cost about $1.50 to $1.75 per square foot installed, not including the heat source.
The advantages of radiant heat have brought it to the mainstream market in the United States (it’s already commonplace in Europe).
For areas where tubing is not an option, electrical radiant heat companies such as Nuheat (www.nuheat.com) provide a thin wire mesh you can install in the thin space under tile or carpeting. These warm the floor slowly, just as with a tube system, and are a great addition to a single bathroom. Although electric radiant heat systems are expensive to operate normally, your costs are free if you’re producing your own electricity with solar panels. ....read more
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