How Radiant Heating Systems Work
Everything You Need To Know
Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems
Hydronic underfloor heating is the gold standard for in-home heating. It works by raising the room temperature from the floor, creating draft-free, even warmth.
Radiant Heating Basics
Warming your home from the ground up
Comfortable + ReliableA Whole-Home Heating Solution
When installed correctly, a properly sized radiant floor heating system is a single solution that doesn’t need secondary support. Janes Radiant Heating’s systems are custom-engineered for your project, no matter the size. We use premium components, smart controls, and an energy-efficient design to ensure heat is distributed evenly for optimal comfort.
Evenly Distributed Heat Throughout your Home
How Does Radiant Heat Work?
Radiant in-floor heating provides exceptional comfort by warming the floor through the home’s thermal mass. This retains heat more efficiently and distributes it more evenly than forced-air systems. A radiant system can be tailored for any-sized project and include multiple thermostat heating zones for temperature control of individual areas. The best part is its even heat distribution throughout the home, eliminating drafty spots.
Radiant Heat for Homes of Any Size
We have installed radiant systems in thousands of custom homes across the Puget Sound. There is no size limit, and it works in multi-level homes. Radiant heating is perfect for new construction or remodel. We use many installation methods that provide solutions for a wide range of construction jobs. Moreover, radiant heating provides zone control, allowing you to keep single rooms or areas at your preferred temperature.
Radiant Heating Beyond the Home
Radiant heating isn’t limited to your home; its applications can be quite versatile. We have created solutions for snowmelts at ski resorts, aviaries, indoor fish farms, large storage facilities, greenhouses, pole barns, car service garages, and airplane hangars. If a space requires heating, our expert designers can help tailor a system to meet your specific needs.
Benefits of Radiant Heat in Your Home
Our customers appreciate many aspects of their radiant heating systems, including their silent operation, flexible flooring options, and energy efficiency.
Hypoallergenic
No air vents to blow around dust, pollen, or other allergens.
Design Freedom
You don’t have to plan rooms around vents, radiators, or cold spots.
High Ceiling Friendly
The heat is in the room, not in the air. Unlike forced-air systems, radiant heat warms objects in the room, which then retain heat longer and more efficiently.
Virtually Silent
Hydronic systems are silent you wont hear it turning on or off, making it one less thing to think about.
Low Moisture
Radiant systems keep humidity and moisture low in the home, reducing mold and mildew risk.
Fuel Source Flexibility
Works with natural gas, propane, electricity, and alternative energy sources.
Flooring options for radiant heating
Our team has successfully designed and installed thousands of Hydronic radiant heating systems for new homes across the Puget Sound region, delivering whole-home heating with unmatched comfort.
Concrete
This option is considered the most efficient because the system warms the concrete. Since concrete has a low R-value, it retains heat and distributes it evenly.
Tile, Vinyl, or Laminate
These options are also very efficient at retaining and distributing heat. These will work best when laid on top of the heated concrete slab, gypcrete, or panel system.
Hardwood
The R-value is still quite low in hardwood, and it’s still quite efficient at spreading heat evenly. Works best with gypcrete or panel system.
Carpet
This option has a higher R-value than others, but can work with proper planning a radiant-friendly carpet pad. It’s best when laid on top of the heated concrete slab or gypcrete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is radiant heat only for new construction?
No, radiant heat isn’t limited to new construction. There are installation methods that make retrofitting a system into an existing structure possible, and you can still benefit from the energy efficiency. We would encourage you to schedule a consultation; one of our design specialists is available to answer any questions you have.
Can my radiant system also heat water for my sinks and showers?
Yes! We should start by saying that our radiant heating systems are on a closed-loop, meaning the water in your floor will stay there and be recycled. That being said, there are various options for heating domestic hot water, from combi boilers to add-on tanks. Contact a Janes representative to learn what would work best for your project.
Is a radiant system energy efficient?
Yes! Radiant systems operate at lower water temperatures and deliver heat directly to living spaces, reducing energy loss. When paired with a high-efficiency boiler or heat pump (such as an air-to-water heat pump), radiant heating is a very efficient, whole-home heating solution.
How is the water heated in a radiant system?
The water used for radiant heating is heated by either a boiler, hot water tank or a heat pump. The different systems offer great flexibility in fuel choices for heating the water used in the system, including electricity, oil, propane, or natural gas. Visit our systems page to learn more, or contact a Janes representative to talk through the options.
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