Radiant heating offers homeowners in Prescott Valley or Yavapai County a reliable and economical home heating option. However, radiant heating is an umbrella term that describes multiple heating systems. In the past, it typically described steam or hot-water-powered systems that relied on bulky radiators installed in each room. In more recent times, however, radiant heating usually refers to in-wall or underfloor systems. There are three main types of radiant heating systems on the market today. Understanding them is key to making an informed decision on which to install in your home.
1. Air-heated Radiant Systems
The least efficient of the available options, air-heated systems rely on central furnaces. Those furnaces fill in-floor ductwork with hot air, producing a radiant heat effect. However, air is not very good at retaining and carrying heat energy, so there are always energy losses on the way. Plus, ductwork is not airtight, further contributing to those losses.
2. Electric Resistance Radiant Systems
Another type of radiant heating system you’ll encounter is an electric resistance radiant heating system. They rely on heating cables, metal coils, or conductive plastic mats that heat up as electricity passes through them. Electric resistance systems typically deliver at or close to 100% energy efficiency, making them attractive for homeowners. However, electricity prices aren’t always cheap, making electric resistance systems costly.
3. Hydronic Radiant Systems
Hydronic radiant systems, as their name suggests, use hot water to deliver heat to the rooms where you need it. They’re usually less expensive to operate than electric systems because they can use gas-powered boilers to produce the hot water they require. Also, they don’t require much ongoing maintenance once installed. It’s important to note, though, that there’s always the possibility of leaks with hydronic systems, which gives some homeowners pause in installing them.
If any of the above radiant heating systems sounds like a good fit for your home, Moyer’s Heating & Cooling Inc., located in Prescott Valley, AZ, is the place to turn. Our expert technicians can install your new radiant heating system quickly. Plus, we offer a complete lineup of heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services. We are also indoor air quality and ductwork experts. Contact Moyer’s Heating & Cooling Inc. today to find out how we can make radiant heating work for your home!