Radiant Heating Systems- Are they right for your Home?

You may have heard a lot of people talking about radiant heating systems. They have been around for many years but advances in the design and materials make them a much more reliable heat source than they were in the past. As a result, these types of heating systems are being used in an increasing number of homes because of the advantages that they offer. Here is a look at whether or not a radiant heating system is right for your home.

Radiant vs. forced air heating systems
Radiant systems are very different than forced air systems. A forced air system uses a central heat source (usually a furnace) that heats air which is then forced through a series of ducts. This allows the heated air to reach different areas in a home. A radiant system, on the other hand, uses heated water that travels through tubes from a central heating unit. The heat can be let into a room via a wall mounted radiator or it can travel through a series of tubes that are placed underneath a floor.

Air quality considerations
One thing to consider is the air quality in a home. If you are someone who is dealing with severe allergies you may want to consider a radiant heating system. Duct work can be the perfect place for allergens such as mold and dust to accumulate. The air moving through the ducts pushes it out into a room where it can cause allergies to act up.

Radiant heating is also much less drying than forced air systems. Radiant systems use heated water and some of the moisture will end up in the air. This can help keep skin and hair from drying out the way they may with a forced air system.

Equal heating throughout a room
Another problem with a forced air system is that there can be hot or cold zones in any room. The air around a vent can be quite a bit warmer than the rest of the room. This can be a problem as it can make a home much less comfortable when extreme weather hits. A radiant system that uses in-floor tubing will provide evenly distributed heat throughout any room. It can also be precisely controlled on a room-by-room basis, allowing individuals to reduce the amount of energy they use to heat their home.

Only you will know whether or not a radiant heating system is right for you. A qualified heating and air conditioning specialist can go over the options and help you choose the system that is right for your home.