Radiant energy is a phenomenon we feel daily. You can feel it from the warmth of the sun, from a hot cup of coffee, or even the sidewalk on a hot day. As you know from those examples, radiant energy can give you a warmth that you experience in nature every day. It’s a world of difference from forced-air heaters, which just blows hot air around the room through a more artificial process.
Heating systems that use radiant energy are called radiant heating systems. While these heaters truly are something special, we want to make sure they’re right for you. We’ll explain what we mean down below.
Installation Requires an Investment
For all the benefits that a radiant heating system can bring, it comes at the cost of a more complex installation. Namely, it means having to tear up the floors or walls to install the radiant heating components.
If you’re fully committed to reaping the benefits of a radiant heating system, the investment is well worth it. When maintained regularly, they’re known to last more than 35 years—20 years longer than a standard forced-air system.
However, if you’re working from a budget and aren’t feeling too strongly about how you get your heating, there are plenty of more economical options to consider. Forced-air systems, such as furnaces, are not as expensive to install and can still reliably heat your home. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to an HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs will be able to help.
Fuel Costs
The fuel source you use with your radiant heating system will determine what kind of system you’re installing. So, it might be wise to find out which fuel source makes the most sense for your home, and then to install the radiant heating system that works best with that system.
Electricity
Electrical radiant heating systems generate warmth through a series of heat strips installed beneath the floor. Although this is a very effective and comfortable kind of heating, it will be costlier to run it daily. Why? Simply because electricity can be expensive! Even so, electric systems are cleaner, easier to maintain, and can last for a long time.
Natural Gas
Natural gas-fueled radiant heating systems are basically an extension of a boiler. The installation is similar to the above, but instead of heat strips, a series of pipes will be installed beneath your floor or behind the walls. The boiler heats water and sends that heated water through the pipes, thus achieving the same effect as the heat strips.
Boilers are promising systems with long lifespans, few moving parts, and efficient heating. However, this means you’ll have to install a new boiler in addition to
The Bottom Line
Installing a radiant heating system—whether it’s through heat strips or through a boiler—is going to be a bit more complex than other kinds of installations. It’s going to be an investment, either way.
However, the longevity of these systems—as well as the unmatched comfort that radiant heating provides—makes them excellent heaters that are not easily surpassed by forced-air heaters.
