Your Guide To Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems
Of the various forms of radiant heat, hydronic radiant heat is the most popular. One of the main reasons for this, frankly, is because it's been around longest and therefore has more of a proven record (It was used as far back as the ancient Romans, although there have obviously been significant improvements since then).
Hydronic (or liquid-based) heating is an inexpensive and easy method of whole-house heating. Hydronic heating relies on radiant heat which enters the room directly under the floor.
Current popular hydronic radiant heating systems feature PEX radiant tubing, which is installed in Gypsum Concrete. This method works usually works quite well, although even more recently, developments in hydronic under-floor heating now make it easier to install in certain situations. Specifically, the new development that makes it easier is known as a modular board underlayment system. Now, instead of embedding the tubing in concrete, you lay the PEX tubing within the grooves of wood panels that have been pre-cut. Those who have used this method say it's perfect for both remodeling as well as for new construction projects.
There are several advantages of hydronic radiant heating. For starters, it's safer. Radiant heating will feel warm without the unsafe possibility of kids or pets getting too close to hot elements or open flames.
For the hydronic heating method, water is the liquid used to transfer heat. The water comes from your normal domestic supply. This water is piped into a boiler, in which it is then heated near the boiling point. It's then pumped into your home's heating zones (One zone can cover one room or a series of living areas such as the dining room and kitchen).
Under each room's flooring, there is plastic tubing that transfers heat into the room from your hot water source. The water's heat settings can be controlled via a thermostat or by use of set of water-control valves.
The natural circulation of warm air from the floor to ceiling is the primary component to hydronic radiant heating. A room will stay warm longer when the heat is absorbed and stays in the flooring longer. That's why it's a good idea to have a floor with a good thermal mass, because it then has a high capacity for storing heat.
Floors made of stone tiles, ceramic or concrete are normally considered best for this kind of heat. They're called "wet" installations. There is one downside to these floors, though: There could be structural issues because of their heavy weight. A dry installation uses hydronic radiant heat tubing which is sandwiched between the wood or carpet on the floor and a normal sub-flooring.
There are two primary reasons that this heating method is best for new construction. These are the cost of installation and longterm heating costs. Studies show that when the hydronic system is installed when the house is first built, it's cheaper than an electric system would be. The second reason it's good for new houses is that hydronic heating uses energy more efficiently, and that will translate into lower heating bills over the lifetime of the house.
Is hydronic radiant heating for you? It could be if you're building a home and energy costs and efficient energy use are real concerns to you.
