Radiant Heating Systems

A Description of Several Types of Radiant
Systems Including Our Preferred System.

There are many ways to take advantage of the benefits of radiant heating and cooling.  Some heating system concepts are at least 100 years old.  They are familiar and well accepted.  Other systems are newer and more innovative.  We urge you to at least take a look at these modern systems.  The newer and more innovative systems can offer significant advantages in terms of price, energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity and simplicity.  Some can be readily converted to alternative energy sources such as solar, where the older ones cannot.

The decision about which system to go with is a personal one.  You must consider budget, architecture, your comfort level with innovation and the dictates of your local building codes.  Radiantec offers several kinds of systems.  The technicians at Radiantec Company are ready to help with your decision. We want to help you get the best possible result with your project.

It is important to understand that building codes have changed in response to improved technology and in response to our need to conserve energy.  If you are told that a system that you want will not meet code, that information is probably not correct. All Radiantec heating systems meet or exceed the major codes. Click here for more information about building codes and do not hesitate to call Radiantec for assistance.

Please note that Radiantec often recommends the use of domestic water heaters instead of expensive boilers. Click here for more information about that use. This is an opportunity to save thousands of dollars and still have a better and more energy efficient radiant heating system.

Here are descriptions and diagrams of several popular systems including our preferred system.

Click On The Diagrams For More Details And Information.

THE CLOSED HEATING SYSTEM

This system, dedicated exclusively for space heating, uses a boiler or water heater to heat water (or an antifreeze solution) which is circulated through the in floor tubing. This is a familiar and conventional approach that is well accepted by building code officials.

THE INDIRECT HEATING SYSTEM

This system uses a high efficiency water heater for both space heating and domestic hot water needs while keeping the two systems separate by using a heat exchanger.

THE OPEN DIRECT HEATING SYSTEM

This system uses a high-efficiency hot water heater to provide hot water for space heating and domestic hot water within a single system. It is our preferred system for most residential applications. There are significant advantages in terms of initial cost, fuel efficiency, simplicity and environmental friendliness. These systems can be converted to use solar energy at any time.

A COMBINED SYSTEM

Radiant heat from a high-efficiency boiler

A high-efficiency boiler is an excellent alternative heating appliance in situations where codes dictate or where baseboard hot water heat is also desired - either as backup or as primary heat for a portion of the dwelling. If you already have boiler-fired baseboard hot water heat and wish to retrofit your home for radiant, you'll likely be able to use your existing boiler.

Radiantec systems are compatible with sophisticated controllers and the new ultra-high efficiency boilers.

Solar Energy Assist

Radiantec Company supports the use of solar energy whenever it is feasible and notes that solar efficiency has improved greatly in the past few years.

If wood or coal is considered, the same design and mechanicals can be used to produce a system that is convenient to operate and also generates fewer pollutants because of steady higher temperature operation.

A solar installation in conjunction with Radiantec's Open Direct System, provides supplemental solar for space heating and domestic hot water needs.

For more information on Radiantec's solar technology, visit www.radiantsolar.com

GLOSSARY AND TERMINOLOGY SECTION – If you see words and expressions that you are not familiar with, just consult this section.

Understanding the meaning of the following phrases will make it easier to understand your heating system options.

BOILER

A boiler is a heating device that is engineered to make very hot water (up to 250 degrees F, under pressure) for radiators and baseboards. Many boilers do not work well at lower temperatures and may need expensive controls to make the adjustment.

DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATER

A domestic water heater is engineered to make moderate temperature water. A storage tank is often provided, and additional precautions are taken to prevent corrosion. There is a potential for higher efficiency with a hot water heater because of lower operating temperature and lower exhaust gas temperature, but many low end water heaters do not take advantage of this potential.

HEAT EXCHANGER

A heat exchanger is a device that exchanges the heat from one fluid to another without a mixing of the fluids. A typical use would be to keep the potable domestic hot water separate from the boiler fluid.

CLOSED SYSTEM

A closed heating system is one which is closed off from the environment and its heating fluid is not changed except for maintenance.

OPEN SYSTEM

An open system is one that is open to the atmosphere or one in which the heating fluid is replaced often. A domestic hot water heater is an open system because the heated fluid is constantly changed. Open systems require different mechanicals and materials.

POTABLE

Potable means fit to drink.

DIRECT SYSTEM

A direct system is one in which the potable hot water in the water heater is used for space heating and domestic hot water for doing dishes, laundry, taking showers, etc. There is no separation between the two.

INDIRECT SYSTEM

An indirect system is one in which the heat from the heating unit passes through a heat exchanger before it goes to the in floor tubes.