Hydronic heating systems use water, as opposed to air, to heat a home in winter. If you are one of the 4 out of 5 Americans who are dissatisfied with their current heating system, this is one of the home heating options to investigate.
Basics Of Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic heating works by efficiently transferring heat throughout a house by using water instead of air. A heat source, such as boiler heating systems heats water and the heat is carried throughout the house by pipes. The pipes are usually installed in the floor, ceiling, walls or baseboards and the heat is then transferred to the walls of a room. The resulting radiant heat creates a very uniform and almost subtle warmth that provides comfort without many of the drawbacks of forced-air heat. Since water conducts heat more efficiently than air, less energy is also used to spread heat throughout the house.
Hydronic Heating Costs
Price Range: $8.00 to $20.00 psf installed
These are expensive systems, but it is worth getting a free estimate because in many cases the reduction in a homeowner’s utility bills can offset at least some of the installation costs over time. Installation costs can vary widely depending on how easily your home can accommodate the installation of the pipes needed to operate the system, as well as whether your home needs a boiler to create a heat source or whether another heat source will be used.
Advantages Of Hydronic Heating Systems
Excellent Resultant Temperature
Resultant temperature is based on a combination of the air temperature, humidity and mean radiant temperature of a space. It is the best indicator for indicating the actual comfort level within a home. Forced air heating systems only measure the temperature at a specific point in the house, where the thermostat is located. In a home with forced-air heat, the temperature can vary widely even from the floor to the top of your head, and in homes with two stories or vaulted ceilings, temperature fluctuations can be fairly extreme. Resultant temperature is a much better determinant of how comfortable you feel at a certain temperature and is the reason that two different spaces with the same air temperature can feel very different.
Hydronic Cooling
Hydronic systems usually provide both heating and cooling options. Hydronic cooling works in the same basic way as hydronic heating. Water is cooled and is then transferred through pipes in the house to cool the walls of your home. This system is more efficient than traditional home air conditioning systems in much the same way as hydronic heating is more efficient than forced-air heating. Most homeowners choose hydronic systems for their heating benefits, since they are more pronounced over forced-air heating systems, but hydronic cooling provides an efficient and comfortable way to cool your home as well.
Related Topics
Home Heating Options
Electric Home Heating Systems
Heat Pump Systems
Types Of Home Heating Systems
