Have you been thinking of switching your home heating system up? If the humming of your furnace gets on your nerves, consider looking into other heating options. Notably known as one of the most efficient heating systems, hydronic heating is an excellent choice for homeowners. Plus, it is growing in popularity in new home construction among the Northern U.S. states.
Hydronic heating is a fantastic method of heating your home due to its efficiency, sustainability, and comfort. However, it’s much different than more popular heating systems such as forced air heating– so we’re here to answer some common questions. First, let’s dive into what hydronic heating is and how it could benefit your home.
What is hydronic heating?
Hydronic heating is a home and commercial heating system that distributes hot water or steam in pipes throughout the walls, floors, and radiators. Hydronic systems are increasingly gaining popularity across the United States due to their numerous benefits. They are known for being energy efficient, financially sound, and highly comfortable. In addition, hydronic heating creates warm heat that fills any cold spots in the home. It is also a favorite among hospital buildings and family homes due to its allergy-safe heating methods. Unlike furnaces that can whirl around dusty air, hydronic heating systems are allergen-free and don’t cause a draft. So if you’re sensitive to dust, hydronic heating will keep your sneezes away!
How does a hydronic heating system work?
At its most fundamental level, hydronic heating uses water from a boiler to heat your home. This water is dispersed through pipes in several different ways throughout the house. Here’s a little bit about the three major hydronic heating systems and how they work:
- Radiators and baseboard convectors. Radiators are a method of transferring heat throughout a room. The radiators take up surrounding cold air and move it over hot water pipes from the boiler. Then, it’s circulated back into the same room through its vents. While radiators used to be popular, their usage has been dwindling since the 50s.
- Hydro-air heating. While still gaining popularity, an air handler (which looks like a boiler from the exterior) has both hydronic and forced air components. Hot boiler water is pumped to the air handler, where it heats an air conditioning coil inside. Then, a blower moves air over the hot coils and throughout your home’s air ducts. As an all-in-one system, its commended for its versatility.
- Floor radiant heating. As one of the most sought-after hydronic heating methods today, radiant floor heating is a stellar choice for cozy, balanced heating. In this system, laid pipes move the hot boiler water throughout the home underneath the floorboards. Since heat naturally rises, the cold air below is warmed and radiates upward. This system doesn’t blow around the air, yet it makes for a quickly and comfortably heated home. Radiant floor heating in Minnesota is rapidly becoming a popular choice due to its comfort and efficiency.
Is hydronic heating energy efficient?
Yes, hydronic heating is one of the most energy-efficient heating methods! Its energy efficiency can be attributed to its main conductor of heat: water. Hydronic heating uses water instead of furnaces that use air to disperse heat. While air is not an efficient conductor of energy, water effectively spreads warmth throughout the home. In fact, hydronic heating uses nearly 100% of the energy put into it. That means you’re not wasting any gas through heat loss.
Hydronic systems are also well insulated to reduce heat loss further. For example, most piping is wrapped in a thick layer of insulation to retain heat. What’s more, if you opt to install radiant floor heating, durable and well-insulating floor heating panels will ensure minimal heat leaks. So the less heat loss you have in your home, the more energy efficient your system is.
Is hydronic heating cheaper to run
While the initial costs may be more pricey than other heating methods, hydronic heating can save you money in the long run. In addition to being energy-efficient, hydronic heating is proven to be cost-effective as well. A bonus side-effect of its energy efficiency is that it can also reduce your utility bill. Since heating through water has less of an energy demand,
The only downside is that its installation costs are more expensive than other systems. However, compared to forced-air heating, a hydronic heating system is a well-spent investment because its costs are much lower while running. You don’t even have to worry about your water bill spiking because hydronic systems cycle the same tank of water for months!
Should you get hydronic heating in your home
Floor radiant heating is especially a good choice for Minnesotan residents. The U.S. Department of Energy states that its the #1 most cost-effective heating system for heat-dominated climates such as Minneapolis. However, before making the big investment, always research your options and weigh the benefits and disadvantages based on your needs. Ultimately the choice is yours! But, as always, if you’re on the fence about installing a new heating system, always ask your local technicians what the best options are for your household. They’re here to give honest recommendations and guide you to make the most informed decisions possible.
We’ve been warming Minneapolis homes and hearts since 2010.
Deciding to install a new heating system is no small feat. Plus, you might have a dozen questions waiting to be answered! We’re here to make the process trouble-free with the best tools and technicians. Installing a hydronic heating system in your home is a step toward both comfort and sustainability. If the winter is chilling you to the bone, hydronic heating might be the thing to melt your worries away.
Mike’s Custom Mechanical keeps Twin Cities homes toasty all winter long. So if you want to install a hydronic heating system in your Minnesota home, we’re just one call away. Call us at (763) 568-7148 to learn more about how our HVAC contractors in the Twin Cities can assist today.
