Skip navigation

Serving The Greater
Coeur D’Alene & Spokane Area

Serving The Greater Coeur D’Alene & Spokane Area

Menu

ACI Northwest Blog

Advantages of Radiant Systems

Radiant heating isn’t new, but with the advent of better radiant heating products, radiant systems have become a popular choice among homeowners. You have a few choices when it comes to radiant heating, including the choice of using hot water or electricity.

Types of Radiant Heating

There are three main types of radiant heating, and two of them are for radiant flooring. The choices for radiant flooring are:

  • Electric radiant floors
  • Hydronic radiant floors (hot water)

Electric Radiant Floors

Electric radiant flooring can be installed in two ways. The first is a wet installation in which electric cables are placed in wet cement; when the cement dries, it becomes a radiant slab. The second option with electric radiant flooring is to install mats of electrically conductive plastic under flooring.

Hydronic Radiant Floors

A hydronic system uses a boiler to provide hot water or steam. Flexible, durable plastic tubing is installed under your flooring and the hot water or steam flows through it, providing the room with heat.

Radiant Panels

Radiant panels are installed in ceilings and walls. Like flooring, radiant panels can heat via hot water or electricity, but electricity is more commonly used. Radiant panels are usually made of aluminum and have a faster response time than radiant flooring. However, radiant panels have a much lower heat capacity than radiant flooring.

Advantages of Radiant Systems

Because of their unique layout, radiant systems have some benefits other heating systems may not:

  • Even heating – the heat from radiant systems is gradual and even, which can feel more comfortable as compared to forced hot air.
  • No blowing dust – with forced air systems, the blowing air circulates dust and other particles, which can be particularly difficult for allergy sufferers.
  • Quiet operation – except for the firing of the boiler, the heat distribution of a radiant system is silent.
  • Easily zoned – radiant heating is easy to zone, offering you the potential for customized heating.

Imagine being able to keep your feet warm without socks all winter long; with radiant heating, you can do this and more. Call ACI Northwest for radiant heating repair and maintenance services today!

Comments are closed.