A lot of people have heard of radiant heating, but may not understand what it means. It’s actually a very old concept – used as far back as Roman times – given a new upgrade for the 21st century. In Pittsboro, NC, radiant heat makes a viable alternative to the traditional forced air furnaces most people are used to. The differences between forced air and radiant heat can help you better understand whether the technology is right for you.
The biggest difference is that radiant heating doesn’t rely on fans or blowers. Traditional furnaces used burning gas to heat the air, then blows the how air through your home via a system of ducts. It’s inexpensive and it does the job, but it can result in drafts, cold spot and sometimes dust blown throughout your house as well.
Radiant systems get around all of that. They entail a system of tubes installed beneath your floor, along with reflective panels to help spread the heat evenly. The system pumps hot water through the tubes, which spread warm energy directly through the floorboards into the furnishing in the room (and the feet of anyone occupying it.) Not only does this eliminate the problems of air circulation faced by forced-air furnaces, but it’s a much more efficient means of distributing heat: saving you money in monthly costs in the bargain. As a result, radiant heating systems tend to cost more than forced-air systems, and installation can be a little disruptive since the floorboards will need to be removed and replaced. It’s a great option for houses that can’t support a duct system, however, and the end result will likely improve the resale value of your home to boot.
The differences between forced air and radiant heat mean that no one system is ideal for every household, and you should get professional consultation before embarking on an installation. Radiant heat systems can be installed by the experts at Ideal Services Heating and Cooling. We’re dedicated to making you happy through every stage of the process. Give us a call today to schedule your next HVAC system service in Pittsboro, NC.
