Dear Earth Talk: How energy efficient (and comfortable) is
under-floor heating, sometimes known as radiant heating?—Marcy Dell.
Underfloor radiant heating involves under laying the floor
with a hot element or tubing that transfers heat into the room via infrared
radiation and convection, obviating the need for forced or blowing air.
According to money-saving-Energy-expert, radiant heating has
a number of advantages over other forms of heat distribution: “It is more
efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air
heating because no energy is lost through ducts.” It is also flexible as it can
run off of a variety of energy sources: Gas, oil, wood, solar and other sources
or combinations thereof can feed radiant systems. And radiant heating is a good
choice for those with severe allergies as no potentially irritating particles
get blown around the room.
Several aspects of radiant heating make it more energy
efficient. For starters, the uniform heat distribution over the entire surface
of a floor heats the lower half of the room, enveloping inhabitants in warmth
at a lower overall temperature—in some cases up to five degrees Fahrenheit
cooler—than a conventional heating system. “Radiators and other forms of
‘point’ heating circulate heat inefficiently and hence need to run for longer
periods to obtain comfort levels,” reports the Residential Energy Services Network
(RESNet). “They draw cold air across the floor and send warm air up to the
ceiling, where it then falls, heating the room from the top down, creating
drafts and circulating dust and allergens.” RESNet adds that radiant systems
transmit heat on average some 15% more efficiently than conventional radiators.
The efficiency gains can be magnified significantly with
good insulation and a well-designed system. While tearing out old heating
systems and/or replacing decent existing flooring might be overkill for the
sake of moving to radiant heat, those embarking on new building projects or
contemplating major renovations should certainly consider it. There are two
main types of radiant heating, electric and hydronic. In the former, heated
wires installed in the floor radiate heat upward.
This type of radiant heat is most commonly used to retrofit
a single room—especially a bathroom or kitchen—in an older house or building.
Meanwhile, hydronic radiant heating, whereby heated water is forced through
tubes under the floor, is more often designed into a new structure from the
get-go, and is more energy efficient overall.
Radiant heat is definitely more efficient in smaller, snug
homes with lower roofs, it might not always be the greenest solution in homes
with bigger rooms: “In some scenarios it can be less energy efficient than
forced-air heating.” consulting with a reputable heating contractor to see if
radiant heating is a sensible way to go.
Of course, pairing a radiant heating system with an energy
efficient method and approved programmable thermostat can indeed save
households hundreds of pounds a year on home heating bills while keeping
inhabitants warmer all year long. You can also explore Government financial
incentives to upgrade home and commercial heating systems in ways that boost
energy efficiency.
No comments:
Post a Comment