Hydronic Radiant Heating

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Hydronic Radiant Heating

After a hot, comfortable shower, nothing's more chilling than stepping onto a cold tile floor. Propane hydronic radiant heating takes the chill out of winter mornings and allows homeowners to step out of their beds or showers and onto warm floors – slipper free!

Propane in-floor radiant heating works by cycling hot water (about 120 degrees) through pipes installed in the cement or attached beneath the floorboards. In a propane- in-floor radiant heating system, the water can be heated by a propane tankless water heater, which is activated only when heat is needed, as opposed to a traditional water heater which is constantly heating and storing water.

There's more to radiant heating than cozy floors and tiles. Radiant heating can cut monthly energy bills 25% or more because radiant heating warms only the areas in a house that need heating. Standard vented heat circulates air throughout the room, with the hot air rising to the ceiling, escaping through windows, or under doors, and leading to unpredictable hot and cold spots. Radiant heat is concentrated closer to the floor, warming furniture, walls, and the homeowner first. While forced-air heating systems may need to be set at 72 degrees in order for a home to feel comfortable, 68 degrees may be all that is needed in homes with radiant heating, thus instantly saving money on energy bills and reducing the need for fuel.

Additionally, radiant heating is a clean heating system. Traditional forced-air heating systems can circulate dust and debris within the vents and rooms, possibly affecting those with allergies or asthma. Propane hydronic radiant heating, however, does not use air circulation to heat a room so allergens aren't a problem. Unlike forced-air heating which can easily be heard kicking on, radiant heating is a quiet, virtually imperceptible heating system.

For those who are determined to leave cold floors, cold spots, and high energy bills behind them, propane in-floor radiant heating is the right home heating choice.

© 2009 by the Propane Education & Research Council