Radiant heating is a great alternative to forced-air furnace heating systems in your home. It uses heated water pipes under the floors, and the heat radiates up into your living space. There are many benefits to radiant heating compared to forced-air furnace heating. A trusted plumbing service in Columbus, IN can teach you everything you need to know about radiant heating, as well as install and help maintain your new system. Here’s a closer look at the many reasons to consider radiant heating for your home.
A long-lasting heating system
In-floor, hydronic radiant heating systems are an investment. They cost more up front than a forced-air furnace system, but also last much longer than the average furnace. In fact, a high-quality radiant heating system can last more than three decades when properly cared for, whereas regular furnaces only last about 20 years at most. While it can be tempting, you end up paying far more for a furnace over the long term than for a quality radiant heating system. In-floor, hydronic heating will keep you warm long after a furnace goes kaput.
Radiant heating is efficient
Radiant heating is also more efficient than forced air, since heat isn’t lost by the movement of air through ductwork. It might take a little longer to heat a whole house with radiant heating, but hydronic heating systems don’t have to work as hard as furnaces when it comes to bringing a room up to a desired temperature.
The heat also tends to hang around longer with radiant heating systems compared to forced air. This makes sense, since radiant floors retain heat in the lower parts of rooms, where people are located. A lot of forced-air heat is rendered useless because it rises up higher than where it can do the most good. This means you don’t have to set your thermostat as high when using radiant heat compared to forced air—and all of that efficiency in a heating system means lower energy bills.
An allergy-friendly way to heat
Radiant heating is much better than forced air for those who suffer from allergies. As you can probably figure from the name, forced-air heating systems can kick up any allergens in your home, recirculating pet dander, dust particles, mold and more that might settle on surfaces or the floor. While those with allergies should still be sure to dust and vacuum regularly if they opt for a radiant heating system, radiant heating will not circulate allergens in the same way forced air does.
Convenient heating
Forced-air systems are notorious for being uneven. Either you’re sitting in front of a vent being blasted with hot air, or you’re sitting away from the vents and freezing. Radiant heating offers much more even heat distribution, since the heating element is dispersed under the floor and not localized through vents or radiators. A lack of vents and radiators also makes homes with radiant heating more convenient for interior decorating, as there’s no need to avoid covering a vent with furniture or rugs.
Interested in learning more about radiant heating systems and what they can do for your Columbus, IN home? Contact Barr Plumbing Service, Inc. to schedule a consultation.