Home Radiant Heating Systems
July 1, 2008
Warming your home using radiant heating is not a new concept. Hypocausts were invented by chilly Romans to keep their public baths and villas of the privileged warm and comfortable.
Whilst the modern-day version of the hypocaust is far easier to install and run, no servants are necessary to keep the fires burning as in Roman times for example, the same basic principle is used in this form of radiant heating used for in-floor heating.
Heated water is pumped through tubing laid in a grid pattern under the floor of the designated room. The radiant heat rises gently to warm the air, and ensures that no matter what floor covering you have, carpet, tiles, wood or even just concrete, the floor will always feel warm and inviting on bare feet.
The necessary hot water can be supplied by an existing boiler connected to the in-floor heating system, or if preferred, a separate boiler can be installed dedicated solely to the task.
Free hot water is available if you choose the increasingly popular option of solar panels as a heating method. Although this may increase installation costs somewhat, the extra cost is soon overhauled because as long as the sun continues to shine then hot water is limitless.
The beauty of these radiant heat in-floor heating systems is that they can be retro-fitted. If you already have a tile floor for example, it can be laid on top and a new surface fitted as it only adds about 20 cm depth.
Most hot water radiant heating systems are installed by laying a grid formation of tubing which is then embedded in a thin concrete layer. Heat diffusing aluminum is laid on top of this followed by your chosen floor covering.
Probably the best and most effective flooring to use with radiant heating is a tiled floor. Although radiant heat works well with linoleum, vinyl, wood or carpet, ceramic tiles are great for storing and conducting heat.
Another form of radiant heating for your home is the wall or ceiling mounted panel. These work in the same way as the in-floor heating system, using heated electric cables or piped hot water to generate radiant heat.
The ceiling panels however will naturally radiate heat downwards on to the heads of those standing below which can be a little off-putting for some, and in order to gain maximum benefit from wall panels it is best to be within line-of-sight and sitting or standing reasonably close to feel the radiant heat.
In-floor heating is undoubtedly efficient and is low-cost to run, but another major factor in its popularity is the absence of any ugly panels or radiators taking up space in the home.
As in-floor heating systems can be thermostatically controlled, gather a store of heat when electric companies offer off-peak rates and then allow the radiant heating to warm your home over a period of 10-12 hours, it is little surprise that this Roman wonder is fast becoming the worlds most popular form of home heating.
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