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How Radiant Heat Works
The American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) conducted studies using
radiant heating, which
showed that most individuals indicated a feeling
of comfort at temperature levels 6°F to 8°F
lower with radiant heating than with traditional
heating systems, such as forced-air or baseboard
heating. The reason for this is that these
systems whether electric or hot water heating
systems are convective systems that use air as
the primary heat-transfer medium.
Traditional forced-air and baseboard heating
vents are typically placed on outside walls.
These systems are designed to fill the room with
warm
air until the temperature in the room reaches
that at which the thermostat is set. As the warm
air fills the room, it rises to the ceiling,
cools, falling
to the floor then either returns to the furnace
or to the baseboard heater.
Radiant heat is the direct transfer of heat to
cooler objects. With radiant ceiling heat, the
temperature variation between ceiling and floor
is
approximately 2°F to 4°F, with the floor
temperature being approximately 2°F warmer than
the air temperature. With floor radiant heating,
the
results are in reverse, meaning that the
temperature variation between floor and ceiling
is approximately 2°F to 4°F, with the ceiling
temperature
being approximately 2°F warmer than the air
temperature. In addition, the use of low-e
thermal glass helps to contain the radiant
energy, thus
reducing heat loss.
With radiant heat systems, you should not need
the use of a humidifier, as radiant heat does
not dry out the moisture in the air like with
other
heating systems. Heated air from furnaces and
baseboard heaters flow against cooler air
located against exterior walls, which creates a
stack
effect, drawing in the cooler outside air
through any cracks. Radiant heat systems reduce
the chances of creating a stack effect, because
radiant
heating maintains a constant temperature
throughout the room. This results in an
approximate 25% to 35% reduction in heat loss,
which
translates into a savings for the homeowner.
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Home - About DIY Under Floor
Heating
Is Underfloor Heating Efficient?
How
Radiant Heat Works
What to Consider When deciding to Install a Radiant Floor Heating
System
Installing In-Floor Radiant Heating System With Hardwood Flooring
Contact & Terms of
Use
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