Radiant heat is rising, with studies suggesting it may be more eco-friendly than other heating methods. But do these findings extend to homes? If you're considering installing radiant heat in your home, there are many factors to consider. You may want to know if radiant heat is more effective than traditional gas and electric heating sources. It also depends on what kind of room you will be heating: a bathroom or a basement might be better suited for radiant heat, but an attic can benefit from having vents installed for circulating air or installing a fan.
Radiant Heat vs. Conventional Heating
Cost: radiant heat is more expensive than gas and electricity. However, some systems come with rebates that considerably offset their higher initial costs.
Effectiveness: Radiant Heat is More Effective Than Gas and Electricity
Ease of Installation: radiant heat panels can be installed quickly, but they require an extra piece of equipment to control the flow for easier use. Other heating methods will need you to turn valves on and off or install a blower. This makes them feel more like a luxury.
Which Is Better?
It depends on your budget and your home. If you want to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, radiant heat is one option you should consider for your home.
Radiant Heat for Convenient Heating
If you intend to use radiant heat at home, there are plenty of benefits to choosing a system that is easy to install, safe for the environment, and gives off minimal emissions. More than anything else, it's easy to use, and you won't have to deal with mechanical issues or have the windows fog up.
Benefits of Using Radiant Heat at Home
1. Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, radiant heat is a winner. It uses far less energy than other conventional heating methods. The heat travels directly towards you rather than through the air to warm your body.
2. The Warmth is Spread Out
Another advantage of using radiant heat in your home is that the warmth is spread out over your body in the form of heat waves. This means it's more pleasant to use than systems that circulate hot air from one ceiling vent, as you don't have to stand in front of the vent for warmth.
3. Clean Indoor Air
Radiant heat also has a better effect on indoor air, as it doesn't keep a large volume of heated air circulating in your home. This should be a factor to consider if you have allergies or other household members suffer from respiratory problems.
4. Superior Comfort
You don't have to stand directly in front of a vent also means that radiant heat is more comfortable than traditional heating methods. With air conditioning and other forms of heat, you are likely to get hot and uncomfortable if you're sitting down, so radiant heat might be a good option for those living in colder climates.
5. Various Installation Options
You can install radiant heat panels in any room, which is ideal if you have a large bathroom or an attic space that needs heating. If you have the expertise, you can install the panels but be careful not to cause any damage. The best thing would be to hire professionals to safely complete the project.
6. Minimal Heat Emissions
Radiant heat doesn't create large volumes of carbon dioxide emissions, as it heats your body directly from the source. This means it doesn't release any wasted heat into the atmosphere. Also, it helps your home maintain a more comfortable temperature.
7. Works With Renewable Energy Sources
Radiant heat works well with heating systems that use renewable energy sources. In some instances, you can generate your electricity by using a system to heat water and then direct it towards your home.
As previously mentioned, radiant heat is more expensive than other conventional heating systems, but this can be offset by rebates and won't keep the cost much higher than gas and electricity. So, do not be limited by the fear of high prices as costs are much better than traditional options. Also, in your effort to install radiant heat, you get to enjoy the convenience of doing so in a short time with very little effort. Radiant heat remains durable and reliable in different weather conditions.
Written by Stephanie Snyder
About the Author
Stephanie Caroline Snyder is a 27-year-old who graduated from The University of Florida in 2018. She majored in Communications with a minor in mass media. Currently, she is an Author and a Writer. She was born and raised in Panama City, Florida, where her family still lives.
You may also like
How to Reduce Your Home's Energy Consumption
5 Ways to Save Energy and Become More Eco-Friendly
Eco-Tips: How to Conserve Energy at Home
10 Ways To Lower Your Energy Use While Working From Home