Radiant heating and cooling systems use technologies to maximize human comfort, which depends on four variables: air temperature, relative humidity, movement of air, and the temperature of surfaces, or radiative temperature. These systems employ radiation, or energy that travels as rays or waves from a hot surface toward cold objects.

Conventional heating and cooling systems typically use forced-air ventilation through overhead fixtures. Radiant systems use existing surfaces and structures to deliver heating and cooling to a space and reduce the amount of air movement required for occupant comfort. Radiant floors use a tubing or wiring system beneath the floor surface to provide frequent heat or cooling instead of conventional thermostats and air conditioning. Using radiant systems can minimize the need for conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems within a building, reducing energy use and saving money on initial installation costs.

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