The Ecological Benefits of Radiant Heating

radiant heating system from Orbit manufacturing

When it comes to energy conservation, are you making a difference? Electric radiant heating has made conservation simple by allowing you to build “green”.  By building “green” we can improve air quality, conserve energy and lower green house gas emissions.  Take a step in the right direction to help protect the earth with electric radiant heating. 

Heating often creates the largest strain on energy use in the home, and radiant heating systems are far more energy efficient than conventional heating systems. As the premier environmental choice, radiant heat reduces significant strain on energy use for the entire household.  Additionally, radiant heating systems generate little to no pollution and are eco-friendly. 

For the true environmentalist, a floor heating system can reduce wasted energy by 25% when used in place of standard heating systems.  Electric radiant heating highlights its Earth-friendly operation for three main reasons:

  1. Standard boiler heating systems, that blow air through ventilation systems (convective heating), operate at 85% maximum efficiency. Electric radiant heating systems operate at a full 100% using every ounce of energy you flow into it.
  1. Using convective air heating systems, heat disperses to the ceiling then to the living space, wasting energy on space you never occupy.  Electric radiant heating systems, through use of specially designed Nexans Cables, emanate conductive energy to warm the floor surface.  The in floor heating keeps you warm while maintaining a lower thermostat level.
  1. In comparison with traditional heating methods, electric radiant heat greatly reduces green house gas emissions and the production of other air pollutants. Unlike oil and natural gas, electric floor heating can be powered by renewable energy sources, which may reduce our dependence on fossil fuels over time.

How does radiant heating actually work to save the environment?

The Department of Energy (DOE) reports the average household spends 60% of its energy heating/cooling their home. With such a large portion of energy expenditure used for heating, increasing heating efficiency is clearly in our own best interest.

Convection heating systems are a primary source of such inefficiency and contribute to pollution. Most households today use vents to push hot air throughout the home. Heated air rises and heats the top most areas of the house first, heating the unused areas before reaching the user. Inefficiency comes from the heater itself, higher thermostat settings, and increased loss through window, doors and structure cracks.

How does radiant heating conserve energy?

Good quality radiant heating systems improve upon household warming needs.  The difference is that heat transfers through your floors and not through the air, directly heating you instead of your ceiling.  Households with radiant heat set their thermostats lower than normal because they feel warmer at lower temperatures.  With the use of automatic thermostat timers, energy reduction becomes even greater.  Efficiency cuts down on energy burn, which in turn lessens our impart on the environment and global energy needs.  Radiant heat strikes a balance by protecting the earth while not compromising comfort.

Hydronic radiant heating

The first leap towards a more eco-friendly heating system came from a hydronic radiant heating system.  Utilizing liquid transfer of heat, by way of water pipes laid under the a floor surface, greatly enhances the heating systems efficiency.  Radiating heat through the floor emits waves of heat to people directly, not to your ceiling.  While not as efficient as the electric alternative, less strain on the boiler and lower temperature settings conserves energy.

Electric radiant heating

Installing radiant floor heating may be the most ecologically-minded decision you could make. The use of electric heat greatly reduces energy consumption. We have found the best choice to be Nexans cables. When installed under the floor they can dramatically reduce energy usage. And it takes a relatively small amount of energy to keep you warm with electric heating cables. You could heat a room with nearly the same amount of energy that you put out lighting it.  After installation, electric heating requires no annual maintenance or fuel deliveries, and allows for integration of solar, wind, and hydro-electric power.

Radiant heating as main or supplemental heating source can greatly reduce our effect on the environment. Simple, energy efficient products, such as radiant heat, are the practical choice for conservation. With a radiant heating system, now you can remain comfortable in your personal environment without negatively affecting the global one.