Hydronic radiant heating is the preferred household heating method in many countries around the world. Radiant heating systems provide efficient and clean home comfort. Many modern homes or recently renovated homes now regularly install some variety of radiant heating systems such as floor heating.
In a floor heating system, warm water circulates through a network of PEX pipe placed above or below the floor. Heat gently radiates to warm surfaces, objects and air in the room, creating a comfortable environment.
Radiant floor heat provides numerous benefits, including improved comfort, reduced allergens, and consistent temperatures. It is also known for being quieter and more energy efficient than a forced air heating system. Floor heating can be zoned to provide customized operation for various areas of the home.
Why install radiant floor heating?
Adaptability – It pairs well with energy efficient heat sources
Architectural freedom – It doesn’t take up usable floor space
Comfort – Eliminate cold floors and drafty spots
Control – You have the control to make individual rooms warmer or cooler
Efficiency – Consistent, low temperature supply fluids require less energy than alternatives
Why is radiant floor heating better?
To understand what better about radiant floor heating you first need to compare and understand the difference between radiant heating and forced air heating such as your typical furnace.
Heat emission from the human body occurs mainly via three mechanisms: radiation, evaporation and convection. Humans feel most comfortable when they can regulate at least 50% of their heat emission via radiation, and when their feet are warmer than their heads.
Radiant heating systems provide heat on the basis of low heating surface temperatures over a large area and an even air temperature distribution with mild, comfortable radiated energy. In contrast to conventional forced-air systems, a radiative equilibrium is generated between people and the surfaces throughout the room, thus nearly achieving the optimum thermal comfort level. The occupant’s thermal comfort level is found at relatively lower ambient room temperatures due to the radiative effect of the radiant heating system. This allows the design setpoint for the ambient room temperature to be lowered by 2 to 4°F (1 to 2°C). There is hardly any air movement, unlike forced-air systems which convey heat using air exchange with the following negative effects: warm and cold blasts of air near registers and returns, drafts in the room due to the high air speed and air stratification in the room. Radiant heating systems more closely match the optimum thermal comfort profile compared to other heating systems
