When River Vine began to look at the most efficient, effective and sustainable building opportunities available for homes today, the idea of radiant floors came to the forefront. Hydronic radiant technology consists of warm or cool water flowing through a network of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing embedded under the floor. When the system is in heating mode, the warmth radiates up from the floor surface, warming people and objects with a comfort and indoor environmental quality that is far superior to any other method of heating a home. When the system is in cooling mode, the cooler water draws in the surrounding heat to pull heat from the floor’s surface and, in turn, cool people and objects that come in contact with the area.
Believe it or not, hydronic radiant systems aren’t a new technology. Radiant systems date all the way back to Roman times, and the system actually provides greater comfort to inhabitants with less energy than conventional forced-air systems. This is because water in a hydronic radiant system has the capacity to transport energy 3,500 times greater than air, so it can heat and cool using far less energy than a forced-air system. In fact, the majority of people actually feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting with radiant than at a higher temperature required with conventional forced-air heating systems. Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indicate that people with radiant heating systems can be comfortable at temperatures 6 to 8 degrees lower than with forced-air systems. The lower thermostat setting means using less energy and saving more money.
And radiant installations are as flexible as the PEX tubing upon which they rely. Typically, a radiant system is installed under the floor within a concrete slab. Other methods include a lightweight concrete overpour (called gypsum), grooved plywood or knobbed mats on the floor’s surface, or tubing installed underneath the floor between the joists. Various floor coverings are also compatible with radiant systems, including carpet, hardwood, tile, slate, linoleum, bamboo and cork. Best of all, radiant installations aren’t just for floors. A radiant system can be installed in the ceiling or on walls—even in a kitchen countertop. The possibilities are endless for creating comfort throughout a home.
Best of all, a radiant system works in zones, meaning each area of a home can be set to a different thermostat setting. This ensures areas that aren’t in use will not be wasting energy heating or cooling a space where people are not located.
Indeed, radiant’s applications are many. And no matter where it’s installed, it will offer a level of comfort that is ideal to the human body. Instead of wasting energy, radiant focuses the energy where it’s most needed. So, when it comes to heating or cooling a home, consider the advantages of hydronic radiant heating—for the home and the environment.