When the temperature outside takes a dip, you would appreciate a nice, warm, and cozy space. Home heating systems allow you to create such a space for yourself at home. Moreover, having a reliable and efficient one makes all the difference. Out of the sleeves of home heating innovation comes radiant heating that is taking the game a notch higher. And if you are looking for a way to enhance your home heating, radiant heating is worth your dollar. In this post, we offer you a comprehensive guide on radiant heating, focusing on installation and the benefits that it promises your household.
Understanding radiant heating
Radiant heating is a type of heating that bypasses the traditional way of heating forcing hot air into a space. Instead, a surface (the floor, wall, or ceiling) in a room is warmed, and then warmth radiates from there directly to the occupants.
Ideally, heating happens in two ways:
1. Hydronic
Pipes are installed underneath the surface, and then the water passing through is heated using a water heater or boiler. While installing a hydronic heating system can be expensive, it is cost-effective in the long run as it ensures energy efficiency.
2. Electric radiant heating
This system uses electricity to heat the surface using electric cables that are installed under the surface. The cost of running an electric radiant system can really add up to the utility bill. It would be wise to consider this for heating small rooms such as the bathroom.
Radiant heating installation
It is good to note that installing radiant heating is easier done in an unfinished building. Retrofitting in an existing building is labor intensive since it requires taking out the floor to fix the system. Of course, this adds to the cost of installation. Keep in mind that tearing down a wall or floor is a major structural change. That is why the installation requires an experienced hand. Make sure to hire professional plumbing services for radiant floor heating. You can rely on a pro for expert installation, maintenance, and insights.
Installing radiant heating on floors
Installing radiant floor heating starts with removing the floor. In the case of an electric system, a thin layer of mortar is added to the subflooring, and batts of fiberglass insulation are installed above it. Next, the cables are attached and then connected to the electrical system of your home. For hydronic heating, your plumber will drill holes in the floor to make room for the tubes, then insert and fix the tubes. The next step is to add insulation above the tubes and then connect them to the boiler.
Installing heating panels on ceiling or wall
Radiant heating on the walls or ceiling involves installing aluminum panels instead of water pipes or cables as is the case with floor heating. Unlike floor heating, installing heating panels is less invasive and requires less labor to complete.
Just like with floor heating, installing heating panels starts with tearing down the drywall or ceiling. Then, the panels are inserted vertically into the walls and lie flat on the ceiling. After that, the insulation is done on the sides to reduce heat loss. Ideally, for wall heating, the panels should be restricted to the lower section of the wall, at least the lower 4 feet. However, it can go up to eight feet in case of higher ceilings. In addition to efficiency, fitting panels in the lower section leaves the upper part of the wall safe for hanging wall art and the like. In case of higher installations, you would need to plan with your installer for where to drill holes.
Benefits of radiant heating
Radiant heating has become the most sought-after home heating option, and all for good reasons. Here are the benefits that you can expect after installing radiant heating in your home:
Enhanced efficiency
Compared to traditional radiators, radiant heating uses far less energy to heat a room. Ideally, a traditional radiator would need to be heated to about 167 degrees Fahrenheit, which is on a higher side compared to just 84 degrees Fahrenheit for radiant heating. In addition, a significant amount of heat gets lost through the air ducts in traditional heating systems. This is not the case in radiant heating, as the surface is heated directly.
Lower utility bills
With minimal heat loss and less amount of electricity used in heating the surface, you can expect reduced electricity use in your home. Also, opting for a hydronic heating system translates to lower energy used to heat the water. This significantly reduces the amount of utility bills that you pay every month.
Sustainability
If you are an eco-conscious individual, radiant heating offers you diverse ways to green your home. One is through reduced energy use, contributing to fewer fossil gasses in the air. Two is through reduced carbon emissions to the air. With the heating system installed underneath the surface, carbon emission is reduced. This also contributes to improved air quality as no air movement is involved in heating the room. You can enjoy cleaner air with no dust and other harmful allergens.
It is quiet
Radiant heating is your best route if you want quiet. Unlike traditional heating systems that tend to be noisy, radiant heating is rather quiet. This offers you a tranquil and peaceful ambiance in your living space.
Saves space
If you ever tried designing around a radiator, then you will appreciate radiant heating. With no awkward hardware on the walls or floor, you have the entire space and freedom to design your rooms and achieve your design goals. The lack of hardware also creates a safe space for kids and the elderly in your household.
Conclusion
Radiant heating offers an effective shift from traditional heating systems. It involves installing a heating system beneath the floor, wall, or ceiling. The installation can be quite expensive, but it outdoes the cost of heating with traditional systems for its efficiency. Besides slicing your electricity bill by a significant percentage, it keeps your carbon footprint on the lower side. You also get to enjoy the warmth in a quiet manner, with the hardware away from the eye. This allows you to design your home without the frustrating presence of protruding hardware.
Authors Bio: Elliot Rhodes
Elliot has been both an interior and exterior designer for over 8 years. He is happy to plan and design exteriors of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. He helps others with beautifying the outside areas of their homes and businesses. When he has free time, he is writing articles on latest designing trends and projects
