Boilers - Radiant Heating

Boilers are an excellent choice for any residential or commercial project; they are both economical and efficient. By using water or natural gas, boilers can be easily coupled with a number of heat circulation systems.  Boilers work by heating water and the hot water can be distributed via baseboard radiators or in-floor radiant floor systems.

Radiant Heating

R&B Plumbing installs both in-floor and baseboard radiant heating. Radiant heat provides a very comfortable heat. It's like standing in the sun, and just like the sun, radiant heat warms surfaces in throughout the room from the ground up. The temperature throughout the room is more constant than a standard forced-air system, where the air rises, cools and then falls to the floor.  

In-floor radiant heating is a has a number of advantages and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts. The lack of moving air can also be advantageous to people with severe allergies. Other advantages are that  your feet are always warm, the temperature remains consistent and easy to control, you don't feel drafts or hear the noise of blowing air. Also, energy costs are lower because in-floor radiant heating consumes less energy to achieve the same level of comfort as a forced air system.

How does in-floor radiant heating it work?

It works by the system pumping heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern underneath the floor. As warm water circulates through the tubing, the flooring turns into an efficient, inconspicuous radiator. The warm surface then slowly radiates heat upward into the living space, rather than blowing around the heated air. This natural heat transfer is both more comfortable and energy efficient. In some systems, the temperature in each room is controlled by regulating the flow of hot water through each tubing loop. This is done by a system of zoning valves or pumps and thermostats. The cost of installing a hydronic radiant floor varies by location and also depends on the size of the home, the type of installation, the floor covering, remoteness of the site, and the cost of labor.

How does baseboard radiant heating work?

Baseboard radiant heat works similar to an in-floor radiant system whereby hot water heated by a boiler is piped to "fin-tube" baseboard units mounted along walls, rather then tubes placed in the floor. The fins increase the surface area of heat dissipation making the unit more efficient. Air is distributed by convection as air rises and is heated by the baseboard unit. Again, there are many advantages over a forced-air system such as being more efficient and quiet. Some disadvantages to this system are that the baseboard must remain unobstructed, which provides furniture layout challenges and if you are looking to cool the space, a separate air conditioning unit would be required. 

Radiant is an amazing way to heat a space and at R&B Plumbing, we are experts at this type of installation. Call us with any questions and see if this system is right for you.