Radiant heating systems rely on the transmission of heat by radiation. For example, when you place your hand near a hot stove element, you can feel heat. Other examples of radiant heat include the heat from a pot-belly stove and the warmth of the sun. Radiant home heating systems make use of panels in walls and sometimes the ceiling, though more often in floors, which are heated by various means.
Hydronic Radiant Panels
Hydronic radiant panels are usually mounted in the floor. They use a system of pipes that are supplied with hot water, creating radiant heat. The water can be heated by a boiler, which may be powered by electricity, oil, a wood fire or gas. The water may also be heated by the sun, creating a solar heating system. If more than one room is heated by the same system, you can control the temperature in each room by regulating the flow of water. Hydronic radiant panels are one of the most efficient forms of radiant heating systems.
Electrical Systems
Electrical systems can also be used to generate radiant heat. Some systems use cables built into the floor. Other systems use panels of electrically conductive plastic under a layer of insulating tile. Electrical radiant heat systems are not very cost effective unless there is a thermal mass (something that can store heat and radiate it slowly over time) and your electric company offers discounted rates at certain times of the day.
Wet Installations
The term "wet installation" refers to a system where the pipes or electrical cables producing the heat are set directly into a slab of material, such as concrete or gypsum. The slabs may be thick, as in a concrete foundation, or thin slabs may be laid on top of a sub-floor. The advantage of a wet system is that the material of the slab can hold a lot of heat, making it a good choice for systems in which the amount of power may vary (such as solar systems). Their chief disadvantage is their slow thermal response time: The slabs can take a long time to heat up.
Dry Installations
Instead of being set directly into concrete or other material, the cables or pipes in dry installations are surrounded by an air space. This makes them more accessible and makes for a lighter, more easily serviced system. Air transmits heat less readily than concrete or similar materials, however, meaning that dry installations need to be run at a higher temperature than wet installations.
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