I was introduced as a plumbing contractor at a social gathering recently.  Immediately, one man launched off in detail about a horrifically expensive radiant heating system he’d seen.  He described how hot water was pumped through floors to warm the entire house.  He talked of numerous thermostats scattered throughout the massive home providing customized heating zones, even in the garage.  With envy, he told of heated driveways and sidewalks instantly melting snow and ice with the aid of electronic sensors, making snow shovels and blowers obsolete.  “If only I were rich,” he sighed.

Perhaps you believe as this gentleman did.  However, radiant heating systems are more affordable and practical than ever.  Educate yourself on this vital subject by reading the following point of consideration.

• Radiant Heat Uses Less Space
• The smaller the home or apartment, the more practical radiant heating systems become.
• Radiant heating systems transfer heat through small ½” or ¾” pipes, not big ducts.
• If more head room and utility room space are needed, consider radiant heat. (Forced air heat systems are bulky, requiring ceilings to be framed down to hide cold air returns.)

• Affordable to Purchase
• Tight budget? A simple, functional radiant heat system exists
• $325 water heater can be used for a boiler design.
• Upgrade later to appropriate tankless water heater (about $800)
• Handyman can maintain this simple radiant heat system.

• Affordable to Operate
• Save electricity with small circulating pumps on radiant heat systems, much less than forced air furnace fans.
• Save even more natural gas! Radiant heat systems can radically reduce your usage, compared to forced air.
• Radiant heat warms furniture, floors, and walls, staying closer to the floor, where you need it. (Furnaces heat the air which floats to the ceiling, escaping through cracks in doors, windows, and attics.)

• Less to Clean
• In-floor radiant heat totally eliminates dirt and trash filling up heat registers and ducts. (Baseboard and standing register radiant heat systems are available, if in-floor not an option, adding cost and cleaning.)
• Eliminate replacement of dirty air filters.  (As a homeowner, wouldn’t you like fewer things to care for?)

• More Comfort
• Radiant heat systems spread heat more evenly, even to the farthest rooms.  (Forced hot air has difficulty maintaining heat to distant rooms.)
• Additional thermostats customize heat to various zones in home. (Forced air systems can’t do that with one thermostat.)
• Radiant heating systems don’t dry out the air, mix it with dust, and noisily blow it around the home.
• Allergic persons, who want a pleasant temperature and tranquility, are impressed with radiant heat.

On a personal note, my apartments, garages, and personal home all use some form of radiant heating.  I have installed simple, inexpensive heating systems for other property owners, as well.  In fact with some coaching, even do-it-yourselfers can install their own systems.  These simple systems can later be updated with you have the desire and money.

 
Remember the affordability and benefits of simple, inexpensive radiant heating systems.  They’re something we all can get excited about.  It’s not just for the rich.  Make it your own reality.  Give me a call and let’s talk HEAT!

This article was written by Rod Olsen, a Journeyman Plumbing Contractor and owner of “Faucet Fixers LLC” (a full-service plumbing company located in Salt Lake City, Utah).  Revised December, 2007