Get free 2-day shipping on qualified Radiant, Heaters products or buy Heating, Venting & Cooling department products today with Buy Online Pick Up in Store. Radiant - Heaters - Heating, Venting & Cooling - The Home Depot. Deluxe Infrared Stove Heater Reference: MG-HT1109 Infrared Tower Heater Reference: MG-LSIPTWR1 Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater Reference: MG-KPT-2000 Oscillating Ceramic Heater/Fan Reference: MG-QGW15-442A Dual Quartz Radiant Heater Reference: MG-QGW15-607.
Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card and banking offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies and banks from which MoneyCrashers.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they appear on category pages.
MoneyCrashers.com does not include all banks, credit card companies or all available credit card offers, although best efforts are made to include a comprehensive list of offers regardless of compensation. Advertiser partners include American Express, Chase, U.S. Bank, and Barclaycard, among others.
Outside of tropical climates, every dwelling requires a reliable source of artificial heat. Depending on the type of dwelling, geographical location, and the property owner’s budget, heating systems take different forms: forced-air ducts connected to heat pumps or central furnaces, steam radiators connected to boiler units, electric baseboards, and electric space heaters that plug directly into wall sockets, to name several.When the weather is cool, heat is a nonnegotiable expense, no matter what type of system you have.
However, there are many ways to, such as installing a programmable thermostat or bulking up your home’s insulation.If you’re willing and able to shoulder a significant upfront cost, one of the best ways to reduce your heating expenses (and carbon footprint) is to replace an older, inefficient system with a newer, greener one. Homeowners and looking to improve efficiency and lower costs often turn to radiant heat, an ancient indoor heating method that’s gaining favor with cost- and eco-conscious property owners. What Is a Radiant Heating System?Most modern heat distribution systems, such as radiators and forced-air ducts, are convective – by circulating heated air through a finite space, they warm the entire volume to a desired temperature.
Cooking ovens work on this basic principle as well.By contrast, radiant heating systems deliver heat through a building’s floors or walls, warming adjacent air only indirectly. When installed only in flooring, systems may simply be referred to as “underfloor” or “floor” heating systems.Radiant heating systems are most effective as indoor heat sources, either in a localized area (such as a bathroom) or an entire dwelling. Warriors of waterdeep forum.
However, some businesses (often restaurants or entertainment venues) and upscale homes use radiant heat to warm patios and other outdoor spaces.Humans have understood and employed the principle of radiant heat for thousands of years. The Romans used an early form of radiant heat in public buildings as early as the 1st century B.C., though their approach (known as hypocaust) was prohibitively costly for private property owners. Archaeological evidence suggests that similar systems were invented independently in Pakistan and the Caucasus as early as the 4th century B.C.Today, radiant heating systems come in two basic forms. Electric Radiant HeatElectric radiant heating systems feature loops of charged cable (resistance wire) that generate heat either continuously or during the evening and overnight hours. Some systems run cables directly into a layer of material, such as concrete or gypsum, between the sub-floor and the floor’s visible layer.
Others affix cables to heat-amplifying conductive panels, typically made of plastic or metal, in an air pocket between floor layers. The intensity of the charge (and generated heat) reflects the thermostat setting.In both cases, electric heating makes the most practical sense with hard floor coverings, such as tile and concrete.
Because generated heat diffuses faster in softer, less conductive surfaces, it’s not ideal for heavily carpeted rooms.The cost of electric radiant heat depends on local electricity rates and the system’s workload. Relative to forced-air and baseboard systems, it’s typically not cost-effective for whole-house heating in colder climates or areas with high electricity costs.However, even in high-cost, high-demand areas, it’s often useful for delivering supplemental heat in specific applications – for instance, heating bathroom floors overnight and in the morning.
It can also be cost-effective where local utilities charge lower rates for power consumed during off-hours, usually overnight and in the early morning. Hydronic (Water) Radiant HeatHydronic radiant heat is the more efficient and popular form of radiant heat in widespread use. Hydronic systems feature corrosion-resistant polyethylene tubes that meet at the home’s boiler and circulate hot water throughout the structure. The boiler itself is controlled by the home’s thermostat, but newer systems typically have zoning valves that control water flow to each room, allowing heat to be reduced or shut off in seldom-used spaces without affecting other parts of the house.As with electric heating systems, hydronic systems can either run directly through flooring material (wet systems) or heat an insulated air layer beneath the floor (dry systems). Wet hydronic systems can be operated at lower water temperatures (often just 75 to 100 degrees, compared to 120 degrees or higher for dry systems), potentially reducing heating costs.
However, dry systems are usually cheaper and faster to install.It’s worth mentioning that some radiant heating systems use air instead of electrically heated panels or hydronic pipes. However, air-heated floors and walls are intrinsically less efficient than electric or hydronic systems, so these systems are rarely used in residential applications.Advantages of Radiant Heating Systems 1. Potential for Lower Utility BillsRadiant heating systems – particularly hydronic systems – often lower utility bills relative to sources of heat, such as forced air and steam. According to, hydronic floor heating systems are up to 30% more efficient than forced-air systems.Water conducts heat more effectively than air, which quickly loses heat without a constant source.
That means less energy is required to maintain water at a particular temperature over time.Hydronic systems also deliver heat directly to solid surfaces that are even better than water at conducting heat, such as wood or tile flooring and wall paneling. Since heat transfer between the heated water and solid surfaces is more efficient than, say, heat transfer between steam and air or an electric radiator and the air, the water supply of a hydronic system can be maintained at a lower temperature than other heat distribution media. No DuctworkRadiant heating systems don’t require ductwork to function properly. And if your home doesn’t have a central air conditioning system, it doesn’t need ducts at all.Homeowners without ducts have one less piece of infrastructure to maintain – and one less budgetary line item to worry about. According to, high-quality duct cleaning services can cost $300 to $500, and are recommended once every other year for homes with heavily used HVAC systems.Even if you do have a central air conditioning system, you probably don’t need to use it all year long. Ducts that aren’t used for much of the year wear more slowly and don’t require heavy maintenance.
More Floor Space/No Registers or VentsAside from the boiler and possibly zoning valves, radiant heating systems don’t have any visible components. Most other commonly used heat distribution systems have registers, vents, baseboards, radiators, or other visible components that take up floor space in a home’s living area and reduce the amount of square footage available for decorations, furniture, storage, and other usage.These system components also require varying degrees of maintenance and cleaning – particularly registers and baseboards, which are magnets for dust and pet hair. Better Indoor Air QualityForced-air heating systems continuously circulate air through a home’s ducts and registers, quickly distributing pet dander, dust, mold spores, and other allergens throughout the structure. By contrast, radiant heating systems don’t circulate air at all, and thus don’t keep allergens airborne as long as forced-air systems. That means better indoor air quality – a particularly important consideration for adults and children with allergies, asthma, and other conditions that can be exacerbated by indoor pollution. Uniform Vertical Heat DistributionMost heating systems deliver heat into a room from a focused point, such as a forced-air vent or steam radiator, or a single side, such as a baseboard radiator. The adjacent area is typically the warmest place in the room.However, as the heated air or steam enters the room, it almost immediately begins to rise towards the ceiling, and only falls after losing much of its heat.
That makes the air near the floor noticeably colder – 20 degrees or more – than the air at head level, five or six feet above the ground. The result: cold feet and hot heads. This effect is more pronounced in homes without excellent insulation and when it’s very cold outside.By contrast, radiant heating systems slowly heat rooms from the floors up, from the walls in, or both. The heated surfaces warm adjacent air at a relatively low temperature, transferring heat to other parts of the room at a uniform rate. This means less noticeable temperature contrasts within rooms, little to no vertical temperature stratification, and more comfortable rooms overall.
Disadvantages of Radiant Heating Systems 1. Substantial Upfront CostThough they’re often more cost-effective in the long run and may eventually pay for themselves through lower utility bills, radiant heating systems cost a lot to install.According to, a hydronic floor heating system costs anywhere from $6 to $15 per square foot to install, depending on the location, system type, and layout of the home. To completely heat a 1,500 square foot house, that equates to an investment of $9,000 to $22,500. That’s about 50% higher than the cost of a forced-air system for a similarly sized house. Risk of Leaks in Hydronic SystemsHydronic heating systems use flexible, corrosion-resistant polyethylene pipes that last longer than copper pipes (which corrode over time) under normal circumstances. Hydronic systems are also completely closed, meaning you shouldn’t need to add or remove water – a process that can introduce oxygen in a corrosive, gaseous form.However, there’s still a small risk of leakage in any hydronic heating system. As in traditional plumbing systems, even a small leak can have big effects, particularly if it’s not detected for some time. Your policy is likely to cover initial cleanup and repair costs, but possibly not secondary issues, such as mold growth.
Risk of Fire in Electric SystemsAll electric heat sources, including space heater and baseboards, present some level of. Electric radiant floor heating systems are no different.
In fact, the risk of fire can be greater with these systems, particularly where sub-floor wiring isn’t properly insulated or conductive panels come into contact with flammable debris, such as wood scraps or dust.Though your homeowners insurance policy may cover some or all of the cleanup, repair, and replacement costs associated with a heating system fire, a serious fire could render your home temporarily uninhabitable or even result in a total loss. If you have an electric radiant heating system anywhere in your house, make sure you have a working fire extinguisher on hand. Difficult to Access for RepairsSince the bulk of the typical radiant heating system is located in the walls or under floors, even basic diagnostic or repair work can be costly and inconvenient.
Some other heat sources, such as forced-air duct systems and electric baseboards, are easier to access and less resource-intensive to repair.What to Consider Before Purchasing a Radiant Heating SystemA radiant heating system represents a significant investment in the future of your home. Evaluate these factors as you consider whether it makes good financial and practical sense for you. Type of Existing SystemSome heating systems are costly or inconvenient to remove. For instance, if your home has a central heating system that uses the same ducts as your central air conditioning unit, it may simply be more convenient to continue using that system (and replace the central heating unit when the time comes).Likewise, space constraints may render it impractical or impossible to install a modern boiler (for hydronic heat) alongside an old-fashioned furnace that delivers forced-air heat through ducts and registers. Removing that old furnace and sealing the system could add thousands to the cost of your project, if it’s possible at all. The content on MoneyCrashers.com is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice.
Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. References to products, offers, and rates from third party sites often change. While we do our best to keep these updated, numbers stated on this site may differ from actual numbers. We may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on this website.
Among other things, we may receive free products, services, and/or monetary compensation in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products or services. We strive to write accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors.
text: Tim CarterDEAR TIM: I’m going to buy a house and know little about them. The online description of one of the houses says it has radiant heat. What in the world is that? The house I grew up in had hot air that blasted out of ducts. Is radiant heat good?
What are the pros and cons of radiant heating? Is it expensive to operate? Would you own a home with radiant heat?
Is this a new form of heating that’s not been vetted? Lucy B., Goochville, VADEAR LUCY: Radiant heat is by no means new.
It’s as old as our solar system. When you go outdoors on a sunny late-winter morning like today and feel the warmth of the sun when it’s invisible infrared rays hit you, that’s the oldest and most basic form of radiant heating. It’s time tested, and in my opinion, the best form of heating you can have.Radiant heat uses invisible electromagnetic infrared waves to heat you. It doesn’t heat the air like happened in the house you grew up in.
The objects that are in the direct pathway of the infrared rays absorb the energy immediately. Once they heat up, they radiate heat to other objects in the room. It’s a fascinating way to transfer heat very efficiently.Radiant heat sources in a home can take many forms. A simple fire in a fireplace produces radiant heat as does a fireplace insert, a wood stove, portable electric heaters, electric quartz heaters, radiators connected to a central boiler, etc.My own home has radiant heat and it’s luxurious. The finished basement of my home has radiant tubing that snakes through the concrete slab. The entire basement floor becomes a giant radiant panel that heats everyone and everything in the space.
Walking in bare feet or laying on the floor is pure ecstasy. I have baseboard radiators in all the other rooms of the house.There are many pros and few cons, in my opinion, when it comes to radiant heating.
As for the pros, here are a few. It’s nearly silent, it’s clean, it’s comfortable, there are no ducts to clean, it’s efficient and requires minimal maintenance.A major benefit in my opinion is the ability to zone your house. With a small amount of effort and some additional expense, you can have groups of rooms on their own zone. This allows you to have different zones different temperatures at different times. If you only use a few rooms in your home, you just can heat those rooms in that zone.The only cons I can think of are it might be a little more expensive to install and some people find the baseboard radiators unsightly.You don’t have to install wall or baseboard radiators. People choose them as that’s almost always the cheaper alternative. It’s possible to have a radiant heating system totally invisible with all the piping hidden in floors or ceilings.The cost to operate a radiant heating system that uses a central boiler and one or more recirculating pumps can be minimal.
Even with this in mind it’s a very hard question to answer because there are many types of radiant heating systems and each one might have a different fuel source.One type of fuel may cost much more per BTU of heat produced than another. For example, you may live in an area where electricity is insanely cheap and the cost of propane is outrageous.
But I may live in an area where fuel oil is the best buy per BTU. Always compare fuel prices based on BTU of heat output. This means calculate the dollar amount per fuel type per number of BTU's. For example, determine for each fuel type available to you what it costs for 10,000 BTU's of each type.Keep in mind that your house may be much different than other houses in your neighborhood. The BTU heat loss of your house is a function of its size, insulation, window and door openings, compass direction it faces, etc. Each house has a distinct BTU heat loss per hour.
To keep a house comfortable, you must replace the lost BTU's with new ones each hour.If you want low heating costs, you need to make sure your BTU heat loss is low and the efficiency of the heating device is very high. High efficiency means that almost all of the heat produced when burning the fuel remains in your home instead of going up a chimney.
Modern boilers are in the 90+ percent efficiency range.Radiant heat can be installed in an existing home, but it can be very expensive. It’s probably best to use wall radiators that deliver exceptional results.In new construction, a heating contractor can install the plastic piping that delivers hot water to each of the rooms in little time. The wise homeowner plans ahead so that the rooms that are not used that often are put on the same zone. Rooms that are frequently used at the same time are put on just one zone so that fuel usage is minimal.You can watch a very fascinating radiant heat video that shows new radiant heat transfer plates. Just follow this link.Column 926.