Hydronic Radiant Heat

Water indeed has many uses. Apart from nourishing humans, plants and animals, water is also used in home heating applications. Water is one of the major components in the hydronic heat system. Hydro refers to water. It is this natural liquid that provides heat to homes and buildings to make occupants feel comfortable even during the cold winter months.

This type of heating system has a long history. Unaware to many of you, this was used by the Romans during the ancient times. At that time, the Romans build fires underneath their floors to heat pipes that were supplying water to their homes and bathhouses. The heating mechanism is the same principle used today in the hydronic radiant heat systems.

Developments have been made to the original system used by the Romans many centuries ago. Metal pipes have been replaced by the corrosion-free and durable plastic pipes where hot water passes through. Today, boilers are used to heat and pump water through the pipes to provide heat to a home.

The hydronic type makes use of plastic pipes or tubings installed in a series of loops underneath the floor area of a home or building. Several fittings are also used to secure the loops and prevent leaks in the long run.

With this type of heating, there is no noise to deal with and the heat it gives off is even unlike the forced air system. There is no air that circulates in the home eliminating dust and allergens that can cause allergies to the people living in the house. Research has found that about 50 to 80 percent of dust mites in the homes are reduced by using radiant heat.

Whats worth noting here as well is that with hydronic heating, the people and objects in the interior space are warmed directly instead of the air inside. The environment inside is dry and therefore comfortable for everybody. What this means is that you are kept warm even in low temperatures and even if you leave the door open.

Energy efficiency is a vital feature of this system. It is said that radiant heat systems are 20 to 40 percent energy efficient compared to the other types. In other words, there is less chance for heat loss as it heat is directed towards objects and humans. When properly installed, you can be sure to save on your electricity bills with this type of heating.

To aid in heating water, various equipment can be used. These include natural gas or propane water heater, electric boiler, wood boiler, heat pump, solar energy and geothermal energy. Homeowners can then choose the best one that fits their needs.

Ideally, ceramic tile or finished concrete works well for this type as they easily conduct heat. However, hardwood, carpets, vinyls and laminates can also be used. Homeowners just need to be careful when installing the hardwood type of flooring because it reacts to water. Hydronic radiant heat systems require less maintenance. If ever, only the water heaters and boilers may need to be repaired.