Radiant heat is gaining popularity in the commercial HVAC industry. Learn how commercial radiant heating systems work and decide if your company’s a good candidate for this innovative building upgrade.
What Is Radiant Heat?
Commercial radiant heating systems keep floors and ceilings warm by supplying heat directly to the floor or wall panels for greater comfort in the winter. Since this heats the floor, it’s also called radiant floor heating. Although regular HVAC furnaces keep the building warm, the hot air isn’t enough to heat the walls, floors, and ceilings. A commercial radiant heating system provides floor-to-ceiling warmth.
How Does Radiant Heat Work?
Radiant heat transfer uses infrared radiation to deliver heat directly from the hot surface to the people and objects in the room. Those people and objects intercept, absorb, and convert the infrared radiation into heat. This provides instant warmth, almost like being near a stovetop or a fireplace. The two main types of radiant heating systems include:
Hydronic
Hydronic systems are the most effective way to heat large buildings. They deliver more heat while lowering operating costs. A hydronic radiant heating system is the most cost-effective choice if you have large floor areas like auditoriums and office spaces. Since the floor and the ceiling are heated, the building maintains warm temperatures for a longer time.
The operative word in this commercial radiant heating system is hydro, as hydronic systems rely on hot water. Because water is pumped from the boiler through the piping under the floor, hydronic systems are perfect for buildings that use water heaters.
Electric
Electric systems incorporate a heat cable, thermostat, and temperature sensor. Similar to a heated blanket, electric radiant heating systems use heated plastic mats with electrically warmed coils. As electricity runs through a copper or nichrome resistance cable wrapped in a water-resistant polymer, it creates heat. With the thermostat and power supply connected, the heat can be turned on and off according to the floor’s temperature. The sensor and cable are installed on the floor to indicate its temperature.
Is Radiant Heat Efficient?
Radiant heat is proven to be more efficient than traditional heating systems. However, keep in mind that electric radiant heating systems are more expensive than hydronic. They’re also more efficient. A study conducted by the American Society of HVAC Engineers and Kansas City State University has confirmed that radiant heating is 25% more efficient than conventional heating and cooling systems.
When it comes to traditional HVAC, there’s room for improvement. For example, your building can lose heat through ductwork and doors. While the thermostat is set high, it can still fail to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Commercial radiant heating systems don’t rely on ductwork, so they don’t lose energy while transferring heat. As a result, they save property owners money. The Department of Energy confirmed that these systems reduce heating costs by 25 to 50%.
What Commercial Buildings Benefit From Radiant Heat?
Large commercial buildings benefit most from radiant heating systems because they warm the building by emitting heat, not blowing it out, which reduces dust mites by up to 80%.
Warehouses and commercial buildings tend to have greater heating demands, and it takes a while for the building to reach comfortable temperatures throughout. You may also want to consider a commercial radiant heating system if you have an older building with more dust and allergens.
Traditional HVAC systems often have dirty filters and ductwork. These impurities circulate within the atmosphere, which taints your building’s indoor air quality (IAQ).
Air Comfort Keeps You Informed
Air Comfort is a forward-thinking heating and cooling expert that keeps customers informed of the latest developments and industry trends. No matter what your building needs, we’re here to provide insightful information and reliable services. Whether you’re interested in mechanical contracting or commercial HVAC maintenance, call Air Comfort today.
