Radiant Heat––The Pros of A Future-Looking Alternative

The building materials industry is always looking for technologies that can reduce our carbon footprint, are more cost efficient and improve quality of life. As a primary heating source, radiant heat (in both the floor and ceiling) is one example. It can replace a more traditional boiler/radiator/baseboard or furnace/forced air/duct solution for heating in both residential homes and commercial buildings. While conventional heating systems heat the air immediately around them, radiant heat warms all objects in the room and they in turn continue to distribute the heat evenly throughout the space by convection. Ironically, this “modern” technology goes back to ancient Roman times and was employed by forward thinking architects like Frank Lloyd Wright at the turn of the century. Here are some of the benefits of radiant heating:

• Easy Installation A no-brainer for new construction, recent innovations in radiant heating technology options also make it possible to easily install as a retrofit.
• Lower Energy Cost Because energy is not used to heat air volume that rapidly dissipates, radiant heat can deliver comfort with over 95% radiant efficiency compared to below 30% for conventional heating.
• Stealth Space Saver Post installation, radiant heating hardware is invisible. Imagine the design possibilities afforded by the elimination of all radiators and baseboards.
• Cleaner Air Without the recirculation of air holding dust and allergens, this is an excellent option for reducing both asthma and allergies.
• Zoned Comfort The use of radiant heating allows occupants to customize and adjust spaces to individual heating needs without impacting other rooms.
• Peace & Quiet No more clanking, banging and hissing from radiators and baseboards.
• Green(est) Option Homeowners, developers and landlords are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and build in more sustainable ways. Radiant heat is significantly more carbon neutral than boiler systems running on oil or gas and can even be completely carbon neutral depending on what type of radiant heat is used and how it is powered.

If it’s the ultimate in efficiency and comfort you’re interested in, a radiant heating system is certainly worth consideration.