The Future Looks Radiant!!
Radiant In-Floor Heating
The human body is a natural absorber of radiant energy.
This is why you feel comfortable when radiant heat touches you.....
Radiant in-floor heating systems are also known as hydronic heating.
Today, people who once never heard of it are seeking out radiant heating systems as a cost-effective way of heating their homes. Everyone, from large corporations to average homeowners, are seeking cost effective ways to save energy. With rising energy costs and a sluggish economy, its not just about the environment, it's about your wallet.
Across the country, radiant heating systems are becoming a more common heating option for New Zealand Homes. While the initial installation can be pricey, the benefits of warming your home with radiant heat will pay for itself. Most radiant heating systems can cost 25-50% less to operate compared to conventional forced air systems.
Forced air heating creates drafts which force air out of your home through cracks and openings. With radiant heating systems, you're able to set your thermostat 2-4 degrees cooler, although the room still feels warm. Warm air will not be lost through air ducts as with traditional heating systems, because the radiant system relies on the radiant transfer of heat from the warm surface directly to the objects and people in the room. Radiant heat radiates out through floors, walls, or ceiling panels, similar to the heat you feel from a hot stove top element. This system of heating is called infrared radiation. There are essentially two types of radiant heating: Electric and Hydronic. With an electric system, electric cables are built into the floor. Some feature electrical mats that are embedded into a thin layer of concrete. In walls or ceilings, cables are installed in the dry space between aluminum panels. You may choose this system, if you have a new addition where its impractical to extend the current heating system. Like any system that relies on electricity to function, electric radiant heat can be costly to operate, although the initial installation cost is less than that of the hydronic system. While the hydronic system is a much larger and more expensive system to install, it is by far the most popular and cost-effective of the two systems. Hydronic hydronic radiant floor heat relies on heated water to warm the home. Water is pumped from the heat source & manifold through tubing that is laid under flooring or behind wall panels. The temperature in each room is then controlled by regulating the flow of hot water through individual tubing loops. This particular system is better suited to installation in new homes or for whole house projects.
Whether you choose an electric or hydronic system, both are longer lasting when compared to a normal furnace. A properly maintained, high quality radiant heat system can last for many years. The heat retention in both systems equals definite heating cost savings, because the warmth is kept in the lower part of room. Forced air systems propel the heated air towards the ceiling, resulting in a higher thermostat setting.
Whether you're planning to build a new home, updating your current heating system, or are interested in finding a more economical way to heat your home or just a room, or even the garage, radiant heating systems are worth investigating. The savings and energy efficiency associated with radiant heating give it an edge over conventional heating systems by conserving energy, while putting more money in your pocket.
Look at the radiant home with an infrared camera.
See how energy broadcastes from the floor?
The people and all the objects in the room are bathed in radiant warmth.
Your floor becomes the warmest surface in the room so you can set thermostats lower to save energy..... with greater comfort. Most people find a radiant atmosphere heating stimulating, quieter, cleaner and easier to breathe.
Forced-Air VS. Radiant Heat
With a forced-air system the heat rises to the ceiling, resulting in uneven temperatures and big losses.
A radiant floor heating system heats the room from the floor up, saving energy and providing a comfortable, even heat throughout.
Air Forced VS. Radiant Heat
Reason's To Choose Radiant Floor Heating...
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Radiant (floor) heating reduces or in some cases eliminates room temperature stratification.
The familiar (but uncomfortable) situation of warm air blanketing the ceiling while cool air pools at floor level is eliminated. Not only does this improve comfort, it reduces heat transfer through the ceiling and upper portions of the wall. It also reduces "stack-effect" air leakage from the building. The greater the height of the interior space, the more beneficial this characteristic is. The need for "paddle fans" to push warm air back down to the occupied zone of the room is eliminated in most cases.
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Radiant heating systems with high thermal mass (such as heated concrete slabs) can respond quickly to increased loads when necessary.
Many heat delivery systems such as forced air and hydronic baseboard have low thermal mass. This limits the rate of heat output to the heating capacity of their heat source. By contrast, a heated floor slab with its large reservoir of heat can release a "burst" of heat when necessary. An example is when a large overhead door in a garage is opened and cold air floods in across the floor. Comfort conditions are reestablished very quickly after the door is closed.
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Radiant heating systems create gentle room air circulation.
In most cases the air motion is so slow that it's not detectable by occupants. Central forced-air systems, by contrast, often create very noticeable whole-building air circulation. The latter tends to distribute dust, odors, and airborne viruses throughout the entire building. Some central forced-air systems also pressurize rooms as they operate, increasing air leakage and wasting energy.
None of the irritating hums, rattles or whistles that are commonly associated with forced-air systems.
No bulky or unsightly vents, you wont even know it's there.
Evenly distributed, ambiant heat means you can have the thermostats set at 2 - 4 degrees C less than in a forced-air heating system, reducing your energy costs by 10 - 40%.
No air is blown through the ducts, so particles of dust, pollens and germs are not being blown around your home.
Radiant heat is a far gentler heat, so less likely to dry out your breathing passages and skin.
