Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?
With a radiant heating or cooling system, the goal is to make the temperature of a room more comfortable by changing the temperature of an entire surface. Most of the time we think of radiant heating systems, we think of them for floors, sometimes called underfloor heating or in-slab heating. But the principle can be applied to any surface: a wall, ceiling or even a mirror.
The concept, like many other modern sustainable design strategies, is actually quite old. Archeological evidence shows that ancient Roman, Korean and Chinese dwellings had various forms of heated floors and walls, with either water or smoke acting as the vehicle for transporting heat or coolness from room to room through hidden pipes. In the realm of modern technology, these systems have been improved and perfected so that there’s now a range of options.
Electric or Hydronic?
First you need to know that there is a big difference between an electric system (based on electricity) and a hydronic system (based on water). Each system has its advantages and disadvantages; the type you choose will depend on your needs.
Generally speaking, a hydronic system would be more appropriate for a whole-house project.
An electric system, on the other hand, would be more appropriate for a small area, like a bathroom.
Keeping those two kinds of systems in mind, let’s take a look at some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a radiant system.
What is the thermal efficiency of your house? Let’s say there are three answers to this question:
Poor or standard: Your house was not designed with energy efficiency in mind. The building envelope has some leaks and is not particularly efficient. It meets the standard of most other houses.
Good: Your house has above-average energy efficiency. It has either been remodeled or designed with certain energy consumption goals in mind, and performs fairly well.
Excellent: Your house is highly sustainable. It is a certified Passive House, has received a high rating on the energy section of LEED or has met the high energy requirements of a state or local certification scheme. Your energy consumption rates are low relative to most other houses.
Continue reading Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?
The concept, like many other modern sustainable design strategies, is actually quite old. Archeological evidence shows that ancient Roman, Korean and Chinese dwellings had various forms of heated floors and walls, with either water or smoke acting as the vehicle for transporting heat or coolness from room to room through hidden pipes. In the realm of modern technology, these systems have been improved and perfected so that there’s now a range of options.
Electric or Hydronic?
First you need to know that there is a big difference between an electric system (based on electricity) and a hydronic system (based on water). Each system has its advantages and disadvantages; the type you choose will depend on your needs.
Generally speaking, a hydronic system would be more appropriate for a whole-house project.
An electric system, on the other hand, would be more appropriate for a small area, like a bathroom.
Keeping those two kinds of systems in mind, let’s take a look at some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a radiant system.
What is the thermal efficiency of your house? Let’s say there are three answers to this question:
Poor or standard: Your house was not designed with energy efficiency in mind. The building envelope has some leaks and is not particularly efficient. It meets the standard of most other houses.
Good: Your house has above-average energy efficiency. It has either been remodeled or designed with certain energy consumption goals in mind, and performs fairly well.
Excellent: Your house is highly sustainable. It is a certified Passive House, has received a high rating on the energy section of LEED or has met the high energy requirements of a state or local certification scheme. Your energy consumption rates are low relative to most other houses.
Continue reading Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?
