If you want to heat your home as affordably as possible you may want to consider a low-energy method such as radiant heating. This heating method has a number of advantages that make it a viable alternative to forced air heating systems. Here is what you need to know about these systems and how they can help you save money on your heating bill.

What is radiant heating?

With a radiant heating system, your home is heated from the floor up. A series of plastic tubes allow hot water to travel under the floor and the heat radiates upwards from there. The hot water is then circulated back to the boiler to be reheated and then sent back through again. The water may travel through a system many different times, each time allowing the heat to transfer from the floor into the air.

The heat for the water can be obtained from a number of different sources. Some of the more environmentally friendly methods of heating water include solar hot water heating and wooden pellet-powered boilers. Since the water is part of a closed system and does not come into contact with people it is possible to get the water for a radiant system from rainwater collection systems or grey water collection units.

Why is radiant heating a great choice for a home?

Radiant heating can be an excellent alternative to forced air systems since it does not create any cold zones in a room. The tubes pass under the entire floor which is heated evenly. As well, the heated air is not as dry with a radiant system as it is with a forced air system. This means that a home will feel warmer even when a thermostat is set at a lower temperature which can further reduce the cost of heating a home.

In a forced air system it is easy for dust, mould and air-born pollutants to be spread around the home and this can be a problem for anyone with allergies. In a radiant system, this is no longer an issue. There is also additional flexibility when positioning furniture as there are no floor vents that need to be avoided.

What to consider when installing one of these systems

There are a few things to consider when installing a radiant system. You want to think about the most reliable source of heat to warm the water. You also may want to consider installing a system that allows you to control the temperature in individual rooms or specific areas of a home. While this can add to the cost it will make it easier for you to keep your heating bills under control.