What is Hydronic Heating?
What is hydronic heating? Also known as radiant heating, hydronic heating is simply a system in which water is used to move heat from its source to where you need it. Some people prefer hydronic systems because they tend to be less expensive and more efficient than fan forced or furnace systems.
Hydronic heating systems work through conduction and radiation, meaning that heat passes through objects and radiates from them. This is why it is important to use the right materials when installing a hydronic heating system to make sure you get it’s full benefits.
Hydronic heating systems are installed under the floor. With this installation, it is important to find the right conductor so that heat is not insulated in the floor to prevent it from circulating. This means you need to avoid installing this system with a carpeted or linoleum floor because they work very well as insulators. Instead, floors made of materials like ceramic tile are most compatible with this system. Ceramic has some of the best thermal conductivity properties and can store heat very well for extended periods of time.
Outdoor Heating with Hydronic Powered Systems
Another system is the outdoor hydronic heat system. This system has a long history as wood boilers that now only use hot water for heat by loading wood into a burner or firebox surrounded by a jacket that heats the water. The water is then distributed via insulated underground pipes that are connected to a radiator or some other water to air exchange unit including underground heating coils and convectors.
A water to water heat exchange unit can also provide hot water for bathing, cooking, dishwashing, laundry and other such tasks.
Maintenance and Costs of Hydronic Systems
When using a hydronic heating system, it is very important to know how to perform maintenance and take care of the system so that it lasts. For instance, some people mix anti-freeze with the water to prevent the pipes from freezing and/or bursting should they become too cold. Also, it is important to know whether your pipes are made from metal, plastic or another material called PEX that does not corrode, rust or leak.
You also need to consider the costs of your system before you install. Even though the costs to operate the system may be less than a gas heating system or an electric one, you will have to compare installation costs and determine how long it will take to break even on the investment. Furthermore, if you are considering an outdoor system, you need to make sure you have access to free or relatively inexpensive wood to properly heat your system throughout the winter.
Identifying Efficiency Gains to be had
You should also consider how extensive your heating needs are. This includes considering the size of your home as well as whether you will be heating water for use in addition to the heating system. You can also look into other power sources for your system including natural gas and electricity as well as solar and thermal power. However, you want to make sure you find the system that works most effectively and efficiently for you.