Radiant Heating 101
History of Heating
For years mankind’s only heat source was fire. Throughout the years the methods changed little in regards to its use. To block it from the wind, people dug fire pits, and eventually, walls and roofs to contain the heat. Poisonous fumes had to be expelled for safety’s sake. Insulation was developed to hold the heat. We’ve come a long way, and you should stay up to date on the latest heating options in your La Grange home. I will improve not only your families comfort, but improve your way of life.
Current Popular Heating Systems
Fireplaces are either gas powered, or they burn old fashioned wood. There is also the traditional furnace, with forced air. Fans blow the heat away from the furnace and to other parts of the house. Radiators force hot water in a circuit through the metal radiator. The radiator then becomes hot and heats the air around it.
There are several types of radiant heat. In the closed system, a boiler or hot water heater heats the liquid that circulates the tube system. With an indirect heating system, hot water is pumped to a heating exchange. Then the heated liquid is circulated to the pipe system. Because the two water sources are separated, antifreeze can be added to the liquid. The open direct system is where hot water and heat are provided from same heating unit. Solar technology is still being developed for heating as well as for heating water. These systems can be electric as well as hydroponic.
Benefits of Radiant Heating
It would appear that radiant heating is far less costly than traditional forced heat. With a radiant heating system, the heat emissions are directed from the pipes in a specific direction. When the air is being heated, that covers a lot more space.
Hot air is going to rise with any heating system. The most energy saving version would be the one closest to the floor. When the pipes run through the floors and maybe the lower walls, the heat will still rise. Yet it will be effectively heating the area as it does rise. Radiant heating is also superior to conventional forms of heaters like radiators. They are convection heating so the heat stays fairly close to the source.
A fireplace is a form of radiant heating. As the gases leave the chimney, they are emitting convection heat throughout the chimney. Radiant heat is emitted from the front of the fireplace and it is absorbed into the air. Much heat is lost when it dissipates into the air, and this is inefficient.
Find out more about radiant heating and it’s benefits for your La Grange, IL home this season. Call Allan E. Power Plumbing at [phone] today.