If you’re tired of having dry, itchy skin in the winter, you might want to consider switching to hydronic heating. Also known as radiant heating, this type of system uses water instead of forced air to convey heat. Typically warmed by a boiler, the water is carried through pipes in the walls, floors, baseboards and/or ceilings to provide heat throughout the house.
Benefits of Hydronic Heating
Below are just some of the advantages of implementing a hydronic heating system into your home or office:
- Uniform warmth: While a traditional heating system delivers heated air through specific vents, which may result in certain areas being warmer than others, hydronic heating provides consistent warmth all throughout the rooms of the house. This is particularly beneficial in two-story homes or in homes that have vaulted ceilings, which can have wide-ranging temperature variations. (The warm floor tiles and hardwood floors are another added bonus!)
- Personalized temperature zones: No more fighting over the thermostat! With a radiant system, different areas of the home can be set to different temperatures. At night, you can reduce temperatures in the unused rooms of the home and deliver the desired heat level to each person’s bedroom.
- Whisper-quiet operation: If you’re not a fan of the rumbling of the furnace when it turns on and shuts off, you’ll appreciate the virtually silent operation of hydronic heating equipment. You won’t even realize it’s running until you feel the comfort of the radiant heat emanating through the house.
- Energy efficiency: As the water distributes heat more efficiently, you will enjoy a reduction in utility costs.
- Balanced humidity: With a hydronic heating system, the air in your home will retain more moisture. As a result, the common winter issue of dry skin will be alleviated.
Hydronic Cooling
Although most homeowners switch to hydronic systems for the heating advantage, it also comes with a cooling component as an alternative to traditional air conditioning. Cold water is distributed through pipes in the walls, floors and ceilings, resulting in a more efficient and consistent cooling process.
Installing a Hydronic System
To ensure optimal results and safety, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC expert to install your hydronic system. Costs will vary depending on whether you need to use a boiler and how conducive your home is to running the required pipes through the walls, floors and/or ceilings.
If you’re interested in learning more about hydronic systems, contact us to learn more about the benefits and costs.
