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If you’re considering a radiant heating system for your New Jersey home, you have probably heard a lot about the system’s potential benefits. For example, radiant heating systems are clean, quiet, zone-compatible, efficient and more comfortable than forced-air heating systems.
But will radiant heating work for your home? Take the following considerations into account to decide.
Flooring Materials
Any type of floor covering can be installed above a radiant heating system, but some are more efficient than others. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll get more heat from thermal conducting materials, such as stone, ceramic tiles, and concrete. These materials are the ones that feel coldest on your feet without a radiant heating system in place, so it could mean adding radiant heating to the kitchen or bathroom is the most advantageous decision.
Still, materials such as plastic or vinyl laminate and carpet can be paired with radiant heating systems. Hardwood floors may require special installation to avoid shrinking and expanding.
Installation Requirements
It’s difficult – sometimes impossible – to install radiant heating systems under the existing flooring. That means it’s the most feasible option for new construction and major renovation or retrofit projects.
Cooling Needs
The best way to stay cool in the summer is with a traditional air conditioner. If you have existing ductwork, you can use this for whole-house cooling. If not, window units or ductless mini splits are also available.
Comfort and Efficiency Expectations
Forced-air heating commonly results in drafty rooms and cold feet. If supply registers are near the ceiling, the warmest part of the room is above your head. Radiant heating systems are different. They don’t just blast warm air into a room; they heat floor surfaces, objects, and bodies in the room from the ground for superior comfort.
Efficiency is another major concern. Since heat stays near the floor where you need it most, you feel more comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, meaning you can save 20 to 40 percent on your utility bills with radiant heating.
To learn more about radiant heating systems, contact Pipe Works Services in Chatham today.
