Does hydronic radiant heat create moisture?

Moisture is not an issue with radiant heating but rather, radiant cooling. As the warm air comes into contact with a cold surface such as the pipe, condensation can occur.

Can hydronic heating be used to cool?

Most hydronic heating systems have the option of both heating and cooling. Rather than heated water, cool water is distributed throughout the system to cool your home.

Is radiant heat worth the cost?

The biggest advantage of radiant heat is energy savings. It is estimated to be 10% - 30% more efficient to run than HVAC systems, and more comfortable than an air heating unit that is set 6 - 8 degrees higher in temperature. It produces heat in silence and is very effective. Although the installation can be expensive, the efficiency of this system will be cheaper in the long run.

Is radiant heat cost-effective?

It is very cost-effective. The biggest advantage of radiant heat is energy efficiency, especially hydronic radiant heat. Water conducts and maintains heat significantly better than air, meaning the system does not need to operate as often.

What flooring is best for radiant heat?

The most effective flooring for radiant heat is tile, laminate, engineered hardwood, and natural stone. Tile and stone are great heat conductors, while laminate and engineered hardwood won’t react to heating and cooling.

How does hydronic radiant heat work?

Water is heated within a boiler and distributed through pipes into radiator panels or hydronic floor slab. Heat is then transferred from the water into the surrounding environment through radiation and convection to warm-up space.

What is hydronic radiant floor heating?

An under-floor heating distribution system that uses liquid-filled pipes to distribute heat in the floor evenly. The floor radiates heat into space. It can be used with many kinds of flooring but is often embedded in several inches of concrete on the floor.

Learn about Hydronic Radiant Floors

Under-floor heating distribution system that uses liquid-filled pipes to evenly distribute heat in the floor. The floor radiates heat into the space. It can be used with many kinds of floor, but is often embedded in several inches of concrete on the floor.

If it's on the lowest level, make sure the heated floor is highly insulated underneath. A middle floor works even better because then heat radiated from the underside contributes to heating the next floor down.

In-floor heating has a large surface area, so it can distribute sufficient heat even at a lower supply temperature of water, which can be more efficient and can use low-temperature renewable sources like geothermal, heat pumps, and solar hot water. Many people also like the feel of a warm floor. On the down side, if the heated floor is on the lowest level, in contact with a cold basement or the ground, it needs to be very well insulated underneath or it will lose significant heat to the ground, decreasing energy efficiency.

Evidence of underfloor heating systems in homes goes back to the Neoglacial period, around 7,000 years ago, in Asia. These systems used the exhaust from fires, which was drafted through tunnels underneath the floor.