Radiant heating is a highly efficient and effective way to keep your home warm during the cold winter months. Unlike traditional forced-air heating systems, which blow warm air through ducts and vents, radiant heating relies on heating panels or pipes installed underneath your home’s flooring. This results in a more even and comfortable heating experience, with no drafts or hot and cold spots.
If you’re considering installing radiant heating in your home, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to choose the right type of system for your needs. There are two main types of radiant heating: electric and hydronic. Electric systems use heating panels or mats that are installed directly beneath your flooring, while hydronic systems use pipes filled with hot water. Both types of systems have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine which one is best for your home.
Please click here to read our GEO-to-Radiant Retrofit article and learn more about geothermal heating. If you would like to read about more heating options, please click here to read our SHF Retrofit article.
Once you’ve chosen the type of system you want, you’ll need to decide on the type of flooring you want to install. Radiant heating works best with hard flooring materials such as tile, concrete, or hardwood. Carpet and other soft flooring materials can be used, but they may not be as effective at transferring heat.
Installation of radiant heating can be a bit more complicated than traditional heating systems, so it’s important to work with a qualified HVAC company who has experience with this type of installation. F.W. Behler can help you determine the best placement of the heating panels or pipes, and make sure everything is installed safely and efficiently.
One of the biggest advantages of radiant heating is its energy efficiency. Because the heat is delivered directly to your flooring, there’s no need to heat up large volumes of air and blow it through ducts, which can result in significant energy losses. Radiant heating can also be zoned, allowing you to heat specific areas of your home only when they’re in use, further reducing energy consumption and costs.
Another advantage of radiant heating is its quiet operation. Unlike forced-air systems, which can be noisy and disruptive, radiant heating operates silently, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, home offices, and other quiet spaces.
In terms of maintenance, radiant heating systems require very little upkeep. Because there are no moving parts or filters to replace, there’s very little that can go wrong with the system. However, it’s still a good idea to have your system inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC technician on a regular basis to ensure that everything is working as it should.
Radiant heating is a highly efficient and effective way to keep your home warm during the cold winter months. With its energy efficiency, quiet operation, and low maintenance requirements, it’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating systems. If you’re considering installing under floor radiant heating in your home, be sure to consult with a qualified F.W. Behler HVAC technician to ensure that you get the right system for your needs and that it’s installed safely and efficiently.