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Radiant Energy
Systems and Environment
Radiant hydronic heating systems provide top comfort and
high indoor air quality.
See, namely:
Radiant Energy Heating Basics
There are, anyway, other alternatives
you may want to consider. And
there are situations when radiant energy is rather unnecessary
and economically unjustifiable.
See, below:
Alternatives to Radiant Heating Systems
In which cases is radiant heating a good option, then? And when is
radiant heating a sound environmental solution, providing
significant energy savings?
See, on this page:
When to use Radiant Energy
When not to use Radiant Energy Systems
Radiant energy systems and environment
One of the big advantages of radiant floor
heating systems is that they may be connected to a
solar heating
system or to a
geothermal heat pump. Radiant systems require
relatively low temperatures to work, which makes the use of
environmentally sources of energy easier.
Obviously, these solutions concern only the
hydronic radiant
heating system. Other systems based on electric energy will only
acquire a environmentally-friendly status if connected to
Photovoltaic solar systems.
When
not to use radiant heating
Is your home an energy-efficient one?
If yes, if it incorporates
passive solar techniques, good
insulation, adequate glazing (high efficient windows and doors)
then, very probably, radiant energy heating is rather
unnecessary: the investment would be too expensive and would not
add much to the energy envelope of the house.
Besides, in those cases, overheating due to radiant-floor
heating is rather common in moderate climates. And to avoid it,
most systems incorporate sophisticated control systems, making
the system more complex and expensive.
Cases
when radiant energy is a particularly good solution
Radiant heating is a good solution in houses without passive
solar heating, and with low or insufficient levels of insulation
and non-efficient glazing, namely in cold climates.
Radiant heating is also a good option in houses with tall
ceilings and wide open spaces, or in rooms where air-flushing is
common.
Radiant heating systems are also an excellent solution when any
of the occupants of the house suffers from allergies or other
respiratory health problems: radiant heating provides a top air quality.
Alternatives to radiant energy
Environmental alternatives to radiant energy include:
1) Active solar heating and cooling, based on solar collectors:
See: Solar Power Systems Basics
2) Passive solar heating, based on elements as natural
ventilation, orientation of the building, efficient windows and
glazing, sound thermal materials in the floors and walls….
See, for details on Passive Solar Systems:
Passive Solar Design
Passive Solar Heating
Passive Solar Cooling
Passive Solar Plans
Passive Solar and Orientation and Shape of the House
3) Well insulated buildings, with energy-efficient windows,
doors and other well planned glazing.
See, for details:
Basics on
insulation
Basics on energy
efficient windows and glazing
Other environmental alternatives include, namely,
geothermal heat pumps.
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Radiant
Energy
Systems
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