Having Hydronic Radiant Heating installed in your home can be a great way to keep warm without having to use too much electricity. However, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this type of heating system. You’ll want to consider whether you’ll have enough water to meet your needs, as well as the types of piping materials you’ll need.
Wet system vs dry system
Using a hydronic radiant heating system to warm your floor is one of the newest and most exciting advancements in home comfort. It is silent and energy efficient. It is also the best choice for new construction. You can use it in your garage, driveway or even to heat your sidewalk.
A radiant heat system works by transferring heat from an electric, gas or oil boiler to the floor. The system can be wet, dry or even solar powered. The main advantage of a dry system is that it is more economical and requires less installation time.
A wet system consists of a series of cables and tubes embedded in the floor. It is common for these systems to be used in a basement or garage. It is more expensive to install, but more efficient.
Energy-efficiency
Unlike other types of heating systems, hydronic radiant heating is an eco-friendly way to heat your home. It’s also an inexpensive option that provides a high degree of comfort. It is an excellent choice for houses in mild climates.
Hydronic radiant heating can be used for domestic hot water heating, snow melting, or even whirlpool heating. A hydronic system works by heating water and pumping it through a series of tubing laid underneath the floor. The heat travels through the pipes 20 times faster than air.
Compared to electric systems, hydronic systems use less energy. In fact, it can save up to 20 percent of your energy costs. The amount of energy you save can be as great as $480 to $600 a month.
Drawbacks
Using hydronic radiant heating to keep your home warm can be a great idea. However, it can also be costly and difficult to install. It can be a good idea to find out more about the pros and cons before deciding.
Hydronic systems are usually more energy efficient than conventional baseboard heaters or air-heated walls. This is because they don’t require blowing air through ducts. They also don’t spread allergens throughout your home.
Another great advantage of hydronic radiant heating is that it can be installed in new homes. A properly functioning system can save hundreds of dollars in heating costs. Several states offer incentives for homeowners who upgrade to a more energy efficient heating system.
When it comes to installing a hydronic system, you will need to consider the cost of tearing up flooring, pipes and joists. Then you will need to work with a contractor to install the system.
Common piping materials
Traditionally, hydronic radiant heating systems are installed with metal pipe. However, other materials are starting to catch on. For example, PEX tubing is increasingly used for hot and cold water lines in homes. There are other types of plastic-based tubing as well, such as polyethylene raised temperature (PE-RT) and polypropylene.
There are a few key benefits to using PEX for your hydronic radiant heating system. First, it is a durable material, which is especially important for heating systems. It also has a lifespan of more than 50 years.
In addition, it is often easier to install than other types of piping. It is also a very safe material. It is also very affordable. You can easily buy PEX piping in home kits, and the system can be assembled in just a few hours.
Retrofitting an existing home
Adding hydronic radiant heating to an existing home is an excellent way to increase the comfort of your space while reducing energy costs. However, there are several factors to consider before you start installing this type of heating.
One important thing to remember is that retrofitting a hydronic heating system into an existing home isn’t an easy task. There are many challenges to overcome, such as working around pre-existing infrastructure. It’s a good idea to hire a design-build remodeling contractor to perform a feasibility study and help you decide whether or not this type of heating system is right for you.
Another issue to consider is the amount of time it will take to install the system. Hydronic systems generally require a bit more work than an electric heating system, and may require a new boiler and associated plumbing.