Radiant Heating
Radiant heating systems are being used more often in high-performance designs and green buildings. Many designs now utilize condensing boilers primarily and other high-efficiency technologies. At Robert A. Nowak Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we specialize in all applications of radiant heating for your residential or commercial property. Contact us to find out if one of these solutions might be the right fit for you.
The History of Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is a smart and safe system that is time tested. Our 5-billion-year-old sun operates as a radiant mass. An open fire is another example of a radiant heater. Perhaps this is why radiant heat is considered the first form of central heating used by humans. Romans used it to heat their baths. Radiant heating is the predominate form of heating in Europe and has gained acceptance in the United States.
Radiant Comfort
Why is radiant heating so comfortable? Heat is where you want it - near the floor. Radiant heat heats objects, not the air directly. If you have ever eaten in an outdoor restaurant with radiant heaters, the surrounding air may be cold, but if you are sitting in direct rays of the radiant heat source, you are comfortable. Radiant heat will heat a kitchen table, or tools in the garage so that when you touch them, they are warm. Once the mass of items in an area is heated, they give off heat to the surrounding air.
Overhead Radiant
Unlike hydronic hot water tubing in the floor, overhead radiant heaters, used mostly commercially, radiate downward. A popular example is the service writer’s area at a local car dealership. The garage doors may be open with the wind blowing through, but it’s always comfortable there. It might also be seen over an outdoor bar. It’s used in airplane hangars because not only do they heat well, they are totally safe because the internal combustion is not exposed to inside the building.
Condensing Boilers
They are a marvel of today’s heating equipment. Their ability to extract so much usable heat from the effects of combustion has made them the go-to appliance when it comes to heating water. They can heat water at as low a temperature needed without harmful effects to their construction. This is one reason they are predominately used with radiant floor heating systems is because they can heat water down to 100 degrees and not worry about damage from condensation. More importantly, they provide even heating around a house or place of business. Customers say they are impressed with their performance.
Indirect Water Heaters
This is the perfect complement to any boiler system and especially condensing water boilers. If you have a whirlpool tub, this is the ticket. It can heat your bathing water three to four times faster than a standard water heater and do it at the efficiency of your heating appliance. Just think of this - it has no chimney, no gas line, no line voltage wiring and because the liner is made of stainless steel, they have a lifetime warranty. It’s possibly the last hot water tank you will ever need to purchase. Contact us if you want to learn more.