Prefabulous + Sustainable by Sheri Koones

Author:Sheri Koones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abrams
Published: 2008-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

A window seat showcased by wooden Craftsman-style columns adds charm to this upstairs children’s room. All details were carefully designed for consistency with the original farmhouse bungalow design. (Photo by Mike Ryan)

Hydronic versus Electric Radiant Heating

Radiant heat provides clean, even heat that warms objects in the room rather than the air, as forced hot air systems do. With radiant heat no pollutants are forced into the environment; the system also operates silently. Radiant systems can be easily zoned so that you only heat the areas you want. Radiant heat can be embedded in flooring, ceiling, or wall panels and can even be used to melt snow on driveways and sidewalks. Hydronic or hot water radiant systems can also heat pools, spas, and domestic hot water.

Radiant heat is either electric or hydronic. Though both work the same way, installations and operating costs differ vastly. Installing a gas-fired hydronic system is much more expensive, but costs less to operate. Electric systems install more easily and for less money, but are more expensive to operate, making them impractical for heating an entire house but effective for small areas, such as bathrooms. Both systems can be installed under most types of flooring, though electrical radiant heating is more appropriate for a remodel or retrofit. Hydronic systems are more complicated to install because they require a pump and special tubing to circulate water heated by an electric, gas, or oil-fired boiler. Hydronic systems adapt easily to hydronic solar panels and high-efficiency boilers, because they do not require high temperatures to operate. To learn more, visit www.radiantpanelassociation.org.

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