RADIANT HEAT - Hydronic Benefits and Considerations

BENEFITS:

Comfort: Less air movement with Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating provides even,
comfortable, warmth. There are no drafts, hot or cold pockets with this type of heating.

 

 

 

Health: Less air borne contaminants promote healthy living environments.

Temperature Control: Rooms/spaces can have different temperatures – great for in-law suites where varying ages require alternate comfort levels.

Quiet: Hydronic Radiant Heat Systems are very quiet since the only moving part is the circulating pump.

Cost: Operation and Maintenance costs are low.

Aesthetics: No floor obstructions. Smaller mechanical spaces.

Additions and Renovations: Often it is much easier to install PEX tubing than duct work. For example, if an existing furnace requires replacement, the ductwork usually needs replacing as well (older homes typically have undersized ductwork). Consequently, walls/bulkheads need removal. Hydronic heating is an economical alternative avoiding demolition and disruption of existing systems. Existing furnaces could be switched to Hydronic air handlers allowing for an energy efficient boiler or geothermal heating system (with Solar supplement).

Energy-Efficiency: Radiant heat is energy efficient. Less energy is required to heat water and when a thermal mass is heated to design temperature it takes less energy to maintain the temperature. Because heat is dispersed over an entire floor area, the thermostat can be kept at a lower temperature setting than conventional systems. “If your feet are happy you will be happy”!

 

CONSIDERATIONS:

Slow Response Time:  If you want to increase the temperature immediately this will not happen. Conversely turning the heat down instantly is not practical (in most cases).  The larger the thermal mass, the slower the response time will be. However, radiant systems should be used to maintain constant/consistent temperatures.

Ventilation: This must be considered! HRV’s/ERV’s. (Heat Recovery Ventilators/Energy Recovery Ventilators) are necessary to achieve Indoor Air Quality (I.A.Q.) With air tight homes, a mechanical air exchange is important! Indoor air quality (I.A.Q.)

Air Conditioning: Although research is being done, Hydronic systems can not be reversed for air conditioning.  Air conditioning can be in the form of central air conditioning, high velocity or ductless (space cooling). Air Conditioning

Structural Support: Structural Design is required for additional weight of the thermal mass topping over a sub floor and supporting structure (be sure your designer knows you are contemplating radiant heat with a “light weight” concrete over pour). Another design consideration is the 1-1/2” thickness of the thermal mass. Door openings, stairs, cabinetry will be affected.