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How Does Radiant Heat Work? © 2008

Radiant Floor Heat Index
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Radiant heat works using a process called conduction. In other words, heat is conducted from the energy source to the floor. The floor then conducts the heat to the room above it. There is very little loss of heat using this system. By contrast, a furnace heats by convection. The furnace heats the air, it is moved by a fan through ductwork to the areas of the home needing heat. This involves a lot of loss in energy as the air loses heat to the ductwork and some is lost through the flu of the furnace.

The sun heats the earth using infrared rays which travel from the sun to the earth through space. When these rays strike the earth, they warm it. Radiant heat warms your home using these same rays. As the infrared rays emanate from the heat source, the floor is warmed, then the area directly above it. Since heat rises, radiant heat puts the heat where it is needed - at your feet. In convection heating systems, the warm air rises to the ceiling. Who sits on the ceiling? Radiant heat works best if it installed under the floor of the home.

Hydronic systems use pipes installed directly under the floor. Electric systems use either heating cables or panels. Hydronic systems can use any one of several different types of fuel sources - electric, gas, wood, propane or oil. Radiant heat is more efficient and comfortable because the objects in the room are heated directly by the heating system. Floors, furniture, carpets, and of course humans, are warmed by the infrared rays radiating upwards from the heating system.

Radiant heat does not circulate air in the home. Thus, mold, dust, pollen and other contaminats in the atmosphere of the home are cut down. Because of the way it works, radiant heat is the cleanest, most efficient way to heat a home.

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