Hydronic heating is a technology that utilizes hot water or steam to transfer heat into a space. This differs from forced air heat in that heat is contained within a pipe until it reaches the place to be heated. Because hydronic heat can be put in a specific spot, it can be more efficient than forced air heat.<br><br>Hydronic heating systems have been around for decades in the form of steam and hot water radiators. These radiators are popular in large buildings and campuses, because they permit many units to be served from one steam source. This method is also used in some cities to provide heat from a central furnace to entire districts.
Old-fashioned radiator systems rely on air convection to transfer heat into a room. The heat does not actually radiate out into the space. Instead, the difference in temperature makes convection currents, pulling cooler air into the radiator space to be warmed by the radiator.<br><br>Hydronic floor heating systems have become very popular for new construction. Tubing is arranged under the floor of a room, either into a poured floor slab made of concrete or a thin concrete mixture placed on top of the floor deck. This fluid can be water or some other substance, such as anti-freeze. Once the system is completed, the room is heated as warm air rises from the floor.
The water may be warmed by a heater, as in traditional radiator systems, or heat may come from a solar collection system. This makes hydronic floor heating environmentally sustainable and cuts utility expenses. Because the water will flow naturally as the result of temperature differences, no pumping system is needed, so long as the tubing is correct diameter for the application.
The tubes used to carry the fluid in an hydronic heating system send their warmth to the floor material, which then heats the room. A thicker slab will soak up heat more slowly, and radiate it into the room over a longer period of time. For this reason, solar heating systems work best with a thick slab. A heating system that uses a propane or electric water heater can alter temperature more readily than a solar heating system. In this case, the slab can be much thinner than the four inches recommended for systems that use solar heat.
Because solar based installations rely on thermosiphon, or movement by convection, to move the fluid, they may develop blockages caused by air bubbles. When the primary source of heat will be a solar collector, the system may also have a small pump to remove air from the system as needed. Systems that use boilers to give heat are not susceptible to being hampered by air bubbles.
Hydronic heating is an old idea that meshes well with new methods. It is a flexible way to heat buildings, and provides environmental and financial benefits. With multiple heat sources to select from, it’s a sensible option for new construction.
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