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.