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What is Radiant Heating?

Answer:
Radiant heating is one technology used for heating

of building spaces and even sidewalks, driveways and more.

Normally, radiant heating systems for buildings are built into or under the floors, allowing the floors themselves to be warmed, which then heats the space and occupants. Essentially, there are two kinds of radiant heating in common use: Electrical or hydronic (uses water as medium for distributing heat).

With electrical radiant heating, an electric mat (similar to an electric blanket as far as wiring) is built into the flooring, usually during initial construction, though retrofits are available. With these systems, no boiler or furnace is required, and they are said to be very efficient. If installed properly, these are low maintenance and long lasting as well.

Hydronic radiant heating systems use water to heat floor areas through a system of serpentine tubing built into the flooring, or sometimes underneath. The heat comes from water heated by a water heater, boiler, or furnace, and is pumped through the tubing to heat the floors.

Of course, each system has thermostats and other components. When the building space thermostat calls for heat, the electric system simply passes electricity through the resistance wires inside the flooring, which quickly warms the floor. The hydronic system pumps heated water through its tubing system, also heating the floor.

Radiant heating operating costs are said to be competitive or better than some other central heating systems. One plus for electrical radiant heating is that there are no chimney flue losses as there are with other central heating systems, including boilers or furnaces and some water heaters (gas or oil fired).

Radiant heating systems used in sidewalks or driveways to keep them ice-free are typically of the electric variety, though hydronic has been used in some applications. Because of high energy costs, these are not as common today as they were in years past.