HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEAT

Floor radiant heating is a concept used in other parts of the world for centuries and is only relatively recently catching on in the West. Frank Lloyd Wright introduced it to the United States in the 20’s after he experienced the comfort of radiant heat in Japanese homes. In Europe now, 50% of all new construction, domestic and commercial, incorporates floor radiant heat. It’s slower to gain acceptance here, but is rapidly gaining momentum as informed homeowners discover its comfort, health, economy, and sustainability.

Floor radiant heating systems are installed most often in new construction. High quality, specially designed tubing is either embedded in a well-insulated concrete slab-on-grade or stapled to a sub-floor and covered with a 1 1/2“ concrete slab. A high-efficiency boiler supplies warm water, which is pumped through the tubing. The water in the tubing warms the concrete which in turn warms the space.

To understand the benefits of floor radiant heat one first must understand the difference between radiant and convective heating. Convective heat warms air that then warms bodies. Radiant heat warms bodies directly. It operates much like light does. If the source of the heat is in the floor, the heating source simply disappears and, as one architect put it, “The house is always warm and comfortable like on a spring day.”

The benefits are numerous. The occupants enjoy constant temperatures, no hot or cold spots, still air, and no contaminants from heating ducts.   Higher relative humidity in the winter contributes to healthier occupant respiratory systems and fewer seasonal colds and flus.  The system is quiet, invisible, and imposes no restrictions with furniture placement or decorating. Radiant heat and efficient boiler provide economical operation over the life of the system.

The long-range environmental implication of this type of heating rests on the efficiency of on site combustion as a viable means for conserving resources. Fuel converted to electricity at a central plant is approximately 40% efficient, measured between the plant and a remote home. Burning fuel on-site by an 87% efficient boiler increases efficiency by 47%. That is 47% less fuel needed for the same amount of heat. 

At Shelter Technology, we use only the highest quality, time tested components for our radiant floor systems. These include Wirsbo pex tubing, Teledyne-Laars boilers, Grundfos pumps, and Tekmar and Honeywell controls. Using top of the line parts helps ensure the reliable operation of our systems for many years.