Different Types of Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters are very common and also have a history dating back to the Roman empire as well as the sun.  There are actually two different kinds of radiant heat systems.  One of them is the infrared radiant heat system which uses light waves to heat objects on contact.  The other is they hydronic or heat trace system which uses heated coils of liquid or wire to warm objects

Infrared radiant heaters are very popular because they have many different benefits.  They do not use any type of open flame so they are safer and do not create allergens the same way that many combustion driven heaters do.  They do not require any air movement which can lower energy requirements and further reduce allergen problems.

Infrared radiant heaters are also very easy to install.  They can hang on the wall and require very little maintenance.  Because radiant heaters do not warm the air in an area but only the objects they reach their full heat very quickly which makes them very adjustable.  It is easy to adjust different zones in a house to different levels.  You can feel the changes in temperature almost immediately because your body absorbs the light the second the changes are made.  

Because radiant heaters do not heat the air in a building before heating the objects warmth is actually achieved at a much lower thermostat setting.  Electricity bills can be as much as 50% lower when using radiant heat as opposed to other methods.

Infrared radiant heat is really nothing more than light waves that are absorbed by objects.  They pass undisturbed through the air and when they are absorbed by objects the radiation causes warmth.  This is the same heating principle that the sun uses.  Simple and effective.  If the sun does it, it is good enough for me.

Hydronic radiant heaters are actually something totally different.  Many people are confused because of the names but they two systems are actually very different.  Radiant hydronic heat is nothing more than heated liquids such as water or oil that are circulated through some type of a coil system.  This can be in the floor, ceiling, or in heater coils on the wall.  

The Romans were the first to use this system and it was used extensively for many years after that.  It is still common to see the old cast iron heater systems.  One of the main benefits to using this type of heating system is that it makes no sound and does not use an open flame.  These systems are very safe but not always very effective.  They are famous for only heating there areas in very close proximity.

They continue to be popular because they do not use any type of duct system.  They do require a plumbing system and the pipes can get quite hot but this is still very low impact when compared with a vent installation.

Radiant floor heaters are very popular because they add a luxurious level of comfort.  Floors are often the coldest area in the home because the heat quickly rises off of the floor.  Radiant floor heaters are installed under a wood or tile floor and cause the floor to be the first thing warmed, as the heat rises the rest of the area is warmed.  This is not a time effective way to heat a home and floor heat is not usually used as a sole means of heating.  Floor heat is common in bathrooms or other areas where people are often barefoot.

Radiant floor heaters can also be heated through metal or wire coils in the floor.  They simply use electricity to heat the coils.  This type of heat is common in areas where gas cost are very high.

As you can see there is a big difference in the two types of radiant heaters.  They are both very effective and can work very well to complement each other.  They are two of the most energy efficient and safe ways to heat your home.  For a warm comfortable home, whether it be new construction or a remodel radiant heaters are an excellent alternative.