Ride the Radiant Heat Wave

An increasing interest in energy-efficient products and ways to minimize a home’s carbon footprint are on the minds of many Americans. Even the U.S. government is getting involved by offering tax breaks to homeowners who envelop themselves in energy-efficient products and practices. With this growing trend, radiant heating continues to emerge from Europe and into the U.S. housing market.

Why choose radiant technology? Some believe radiant heat can efficiently heat a house or specific zone more effectively than forced air. “In conventional [forced-air] heating, the air pushes to the center of the room and goes up while losing heat to the ceiling; whereas radiant heat starts at the bottom of the floor and is evenly distributed, losing less heat,” says Sharon Mangino, general manager of U.S. operations, Warmup Inc.

Radiant heat can also eliminate cold and hot spots in a building. Homeowners can feel much more comfortable at lower room temperatures because heat is distributed so evenly, says Larry Drake, executive director, Radiant Panel Association, Loveland, Colo.

Builders have two radiant heat options: hydronic or electric systems. Hydronic systems (those using water) are more prominently used in new construction, whereas electric radiant is used more in remodeling projects. “The electric systems are limited to electricity, and hydronic systems can use any [power source]. Hydronic systems offer more [power-supply] flexibility; electric is simpler,” Drake says.

Hydronic systems integrate well with many green technologies including solar and geothermal systems. “Radiant heating is the best way to distribute thermal solar heat into a space. It makes solar collectors more efficient as well as creates a more comfortable environment in which to live. It’s the same with geothermal systems,” Drake says.

Both hydronic and electric systems allow for the option to zone rooms. The zoning of rooms offers homeowners much more targeted temperature control, and therefore reduces the load on the heating system which saves energy and ultimately money. Each room would have its own thermostat and it makes [the system] efficient. Conventional heating doesn’t offer the practicality of thermostats in each room like radiant systems do — there isn’t that much control, Mangino says.

Besides being energy-efficient, radiant heat can provide homeowners comfort and health benefits. “It’s the right temperature all the time, and homeowners can’t hear it or feel hot air blowing on them. It’s a mild heat — not too hot and not too cold but just right,” says Terry Alsberg, CEO, Warmboard Inc.

Radiant systems are healthier to live with than conventional forced-air heating systems because there is no air blowing around the house, Alsberg says. “When you use forced air, you are constantly pushing particulates around the house. Once I installed Warmboard in my house, my kids lowered their use of inhalers.”

Little maintenance is involved with most radiant heating systems because there are few moving parts involved. “Components that are part of the system and provided by suppliers such as the boiler, pump or circulator may require maintenance but the Uponor system is hassle-free,” says Jon Orton, public relations and e-commerce manager, Uponor North America.

Because piping, wires or insulation is installed in floors with radiant systems, builders should pay attention to the floor height when making measurements. “Wires don’t change the floor level, but if a builder is going to include floor insulation, that needs to be taken into consideration,” Mangino says. Builders also need to keep in mind the location of thermostats and if the rooms are wired appropriately for those thermostats.

“Contractors are hesitant to grasp this technology, but after they put down five or six panels, they see how easy it is. It’s compatible with their current skills,” Alsberg says. As a benefit and for proper operation, Warmboard designs all its system layouts for builders.