{"id":24331,"date":"2024-05-06T10:48:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T16:48:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/?p=24331"},"modified":"2025-01-03T13:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T20:35:08","slug":"explaining-radiant-heating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/explaining-radiant-heating\/","title":{"rendered":"Explaining Radiant Heating"},"content":{"rendered":"

We can all relate to those hot summer days when the sun is beating down on your car. You buckle up into the driver’s seat and the interior is red hot! This is all because the sun’s heat has travelled as radiant energy to the surfaces in your car.<\/p>\n

This simple concept has been applied in the residential setting as a way to efficiently and effectively heat a home. It is known as radiant heating.<\/p>\n

What Is Radiant Heating?<\/h2>\n

Radiant heating<\/a> is a system that utilizes the energy radiated from a heated source to warm objects and surfaces within a space. Pipes or cables are run through designated zones of a building – either in floors, walls, ceilings or radiator units.<\/p>\n

Then they are heated with water, steam, or electricity.\u00a0 These pipes or cables radiate heat, which warms the surrounding surfaces, subsequently traveling into the living space. It is a common technique used as an alternative to HVAC-based heating methods, such as furnaces.<\/p>\n

The Types of Residential Radiant Heating<\/h2>\n

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating <\/em><\/h3>\n

This is one of the most common styles of radiant heating. Tubing (usually PEX or rubber) is installed in evenly spaced, winding curves under the floor of a designated area.<\/p>\n

Hot water is then circulated through these pipes effectively warming the surrounding surfaces. The heat then radiates off of the surfaces into the air. And voila <\/em>– you have a nice, warm room!<\/p>\n

\"Hydronic<\/a><\/p>\n

When it comes to hydronic heating systems, there is more than one way to get the water heated and flowing through the pipes. The different systems are as follows:<\/p>\n