| | | Radiant Heating Systems

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Radiating heating is a new age technology that is not only used to heat the indoor environment but also the outdoor environment. Radiant heating systems use the concept of radiant energy that is emitted from a heat source. The penetration of this radiant energy cuts through all objects lying in its path, including people.

1 The Concept of Radiant Heating Systems
2 The Working of Radiant Heating Systems
3 Various Radiant Heating Systems
4 The Advantage of Radiant Heating Systems
5 Good News for the Environment
6 References

The Concept of Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant heat rather than conventional heating is used to heat the premises, using radiant heating systems. Though this technology has just made its presence felt in the modern world, its use dates back to the Roman civilization. The concept uses heat energy that is emitted from a warm element like an overhead panel, wall, or floor. It is through such elements that the heating systems warm the people and the various other objects in the rooms rather than the direct heating of the air.

In order to experience the same level of body comfort, many a times; the internal air temperature of a radiant heated building is lower than their conventionally heated counterparts. Radiant heating systems are increasingly used out of doors, in the patio or the yard, as the air herein, is constantly moving. Hence, it’s difficult to sustain the warmth as heated air is blown away because of the natural movement of air. If you use outdoor radiant heaters then such heating systems allow the targeting of specific outdoor areas, and they don’t heat the air but the people and objects that are in their path.

The Working of Radiant Heating Systems

Heat is supplied directly to the floor or the ceiling of the house or the wall paneling. This is done through radiant heat transfer meaning that there is a direct delivery of heat from the heating surface of these heating systems to the people sitting in the room or even to the object in the room. This type of radiation of heat is more commonly known as infrared radiation.

One of the basic examples of radiant heating would be the warmth afforded by a simple stove, if you are standing around it. This is the abiding principle of radiant heating.

Various Radiant Heating Systems

There are various types of radiant heating systems available in the market today. You can either go for under-floor heating systems of the electric or hydronic variety or can choose from the various wall heating systems available. Moreover, you can also select overhead radiant heaters that are fired by gas or radiant ceilings.

Wall heating systems or the under-floor radiant heating systems are typically, low-temperature systems. This is because they have a larger heating surface area than other systems, which leads to low temperatures achieving the same amounts of heat transfers as those with small surface heating areas. Typically, the maximum heating surface temperature can vary from 29-35 degree Celsius. Moreover, overhead panels are hung a few meters above the floor of numerous production and ware housing facilities, as the surface temperature is quite high.

Air Heated Radiant Floors

As the name suggests the air is pumped though the flooring using a conventional furnace. Not many people go for such floors as it’s not cost effective.

Electric Radiant Floors

Electric cables are built into the floor and thus electric energy is used to create radiant energy. Electrically conductive plastic is used to make mats that can be placed or mounted under a floor.

Liquid Radiant Floor Systems

These radiant heating systems are also called Hydronic systems as they pump heated water through the tubing that is underneath the floor. It is cost effective, and is one of the most popular of all radiant heating systems.

One can control the temperature of a particular room by the regulation of the hot water that flows through tubing loops. Appliances like thermostats, pumps, and zoning valves are also a part of the system of temperature control.

Quite a large number of people who want to go for radiant heating systems for the floor zero in on water based heating systems. They are both cost and energy efficient. However, the cost of water based radiant heating systems is dependant on the size of the room or home, covering of the floor, labor involved, and the type of installation.

The Advantage of Radiant Heating Systems

The great part of radiant heating systems is that they are energy efficient. Moreover, they do not release pollutants and are easy-to-use. As can bee seen the combination of these advantages makes these appliances a great buy and a superior choice.

The inherent efficiency of radiant heating is more than baseboard heating. Moreover, it’s also a better choice than forced air heating, as there is energy loss as a result of air-ducts. Moreover, for those people with severe dust allergies or various other types of allergies, the still air, offers a great health advantage.

Liquid based radiant heating systems do not use a lot of electricity, and thus they are a good option if your home is in a neighborhood that is off the power grid or in an area where electricity is expensive. Moreover, these water based radiant heating systems can be heated using various sources of energy, other than electricity, like standard gas, wood fire, solar energy or an amalgamation of some of the sources mentioned.

Good News for the Environment

The use of heating systems that use conventional forms of energy, has damaged the environment is a way that is irreparable. All we can do is arrest this decline and start using non-conventional appliances that seek to be non-detrimental when it comes to the environment in general. This is where radiant heating systems come into the picture.

Increased use of these heating systems would mean contributing to the minimization of various pollutants in the air. This would go a long way in sustaining the natural environment and the making of a ‘Green Planet’. Radiant heating systems are the way ahead when it comes to saving energy and thus saving the environment.