Hydronic Radiant Heating vs. Electric Radiant Heating

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Hydronic heating system is the oldest form of radiant heating systems. This system is made up of tankless water heater, pex manifolds, thermostat, circulator pumps, pex tubing and panels made either of wood or gypcrete. These systems are quite popular however at the same time they are complex too. Hydronic systems can be installed under any floor type. The biggest challenge in such systems is the tubing installation which is required to be done in light concrete bed. Recently, many products have become available in the market that are lightweight in which pre cut wood panels can be fitted easily. This makes the installation easier.

If hydronic system needs to be installed at a smaller place like kitchen then this system is not the best choice. This system demands long term maintenance and requires cost too. This system can be suited in a larger area only. Smaller areas can be fitted with electric radiant heating system. A boiler room is also required to run hydronic system. These systems use 65 - 85% of system's energy.

Electric system is also known as line voltage system. These are the systems which are gaining wide popularity as these systems can easily be fitted in areas up to 300 sq feet like for kitchens, bathrooms, and sunrooms. This system is made up of thermostats and heating cable and these systems are less expensive. This system can be installed in any way one likes. They are ideal for adding heat under any hard floor surfaces like tiles or any other surface. The benefits of electric heating include easy installation, suitable for individual zoning, controlling temperature, no upkeep or maintenance required. These systems warm the floors evenly as it makes use of 100% of system's energy.

Main advantages of using the electric system over hydronic system are as follows:

Heat evenly at higher places: Electric radiant system allows 100 % efficiency at higher elevations whereas hydronic systems are less efficient.
No upkeep: No upkeep or annual maintenance is required for electric systems whereas when using hydronic system one needs to change the filters once a year.
Simple to control: Whichever floor heating one may use, electric system provides easy and reliable control systems. When using hydronic systems these systems waste energy often. It is also difficult to control the temperature under this system.
Floor coverings: Electronic system requires minimal floor section but hydronic requires large floor build up.
Safety: This system provides more safety as the heating cables are not exposed so no combustible gases, no hot surfaces or high voltage.
Cost: Electric systems can be easily installed so it involves lesser cost. Moreover it controls the direction in which heat is required rather than emitting towards the ceiling.

PEX Tubing, Taco Circulator Pumps, Takagi Tankless Water Heaters