Trying to figure out how to heat your house without wasting energy? Try installing direct heat beneath the floorboards or in the wall panels. Known as radiant heat due to its transmission of thermal energy from one object to another (i.e. heat flows from the floor directly to objects and people), this type of system is more efficient than traditional baseboard heating since much less heat energy is lost in the piping system. The other environmental advantage of radiant heat is that it is often electrical or hydraulic, meaning that it is possible to use solar and wind generation to supply the energy. No fuel burning necessary.
This method of heating usually involves pipes or coils in rows directly beneath the floor. Of the three basic types of radiant heating systems (air, electric, and hydraulic), the hydraulic seems to be the most economically justifiable. They are usually cheapest to install. Moreover, water is thousands of times more efficient as a conductor than air is. Make sure not to use copper piping, though. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is a much better alternative due to its high insulating qualities. Install a solar hot water heating system on your roof to power your radiant heating, and you can reduce your energy usage even more.
Installing a radiant heating system can help qualify you for LEED credits for your new home or remodeling. The Radiant Panel Association has been working with the US Green Building Council and National Association of Home Builders to promote the connection between energy efficiency, economics and the environment. Besides increased efficiency, radiant heating systems also may reduce the materials needed for traditional ducts. The Association also notes that people with severe allergies have a more comfortable lifestyle with radiant heating since there is no air coming out of ducts into your living spaces.
Efficiency is awesome. Especially when it involves renewable energy.
