Installing a radiant heating system can be an affordable way to warm your entire home. While forced-air systems circulate warm air through ducts, radiant systems are comprised of one or more heat sources that radiate warmth directly to their surroundings. Whether you want this system to stand alone or to supplement a forced-air system, an HVAC contractor can determine which components will meet your needs.

What Are Some Common Types of Radiant Heating Systems?

1. Traditional Radiators

Because they're relatively bulky, traditional radiators are rarely installed in new homes; however, they can be incredibly effective at heating older homes if they're well-maintained. These devices are usually connected to the boiler, which means they rely on hot water or steam to produce heat.

2. Radiant Floors

There are three kinds of radiant heating systems that can be installed within the flooring of a structure: air-heated, electric, and hydronic. As the name implies, air-heated systems rely on warm air to raise the temperature of the room. Electric systems, on the other hand, are comprised of a series of cables that use electricity to distribute heat across the floor. Hydronic systems, which draw hot water from a boiler and then flush it through tubing underneath the floor, are the most cost-effective radiant flooring arrangement.

3. Radiant Wall Panels

Radiant wall panels are an inconspicuous take on traditional radiators. Because they’re actually installed inside the wall, they don’t have any footprint. Like traditional radiators, they’re usually hooked up to a boiler; however, your HVAC contractor may be able to install panels that run on electricity instead.

4. Radiant Baseboards

Radiant baseboards are one of the most popular forms of radiant heating. These units run along the bottom of one or more walls in each room. While electrical devices are available, heating an entire home with them tends to be inefficient. As such, HVAC contractors usually recommend hot water baseboards, which rely on a central boiler to produce the heat that will be distributed around the home.

If you want to install a radiant heating system or upgrade an existing arrangement, turn to Pointon Heating & Air Conditioning. Operating out of Baraboo and Portage, WI, this HVAC contractor is equipped to serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Their friendly technicians have more than 200 years of combined experience in the heating and cooling field, so there’s no project too small or too large for them to tackle. To learn more about the services they provide, visit their website. To talk to a technician in Baraboo, call (608) 356-4177. To get in touch with someone in Portage, call (608) 745-4616.