Heating Techniques

Hydronic Floor Heating

• Hydronic floor heat refers to the radiant floor heating method used for residential, commercial and other buildings. The heat system requires special tubing encased in concrete or pipes covered with a thin layer of concrete on top of a wood subfloor. A boiler attached to the tubes circulates heated water or an antifreeze type of mixture through the system to provide heat for rooms. The cool water returns to the boiler, which reheats the liquid and sends it back through the system. Boilers can use a variety of fuels, such as electricity, oil, propane and natural gas. Hydronic floor heating offers an even distribution of heat and comfort compared to other techniques.

Forced-Air Heating

• Many U.S. homes have forced-air furnaces. This heating technique works by the furnace blower's removing cold air from the living space by drawing it through the return air supply, filtering the air and routing it across the heat exchanger. The warm air flows to the plenum (a separate space for air circulation). The main duct connects to the plenum, and a series of branch ducts distribute warm air through diffusers or registers installed in floors, walls or ceilings. Possible fuel sources include oil, electricity, propane and natural gas to power the furnace. The unit has a filter that needs changing at least every three months. This ensures that clean air is moving through the system and prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust.

Passive Solar Heating

• Passive solar heating involves designing windows, walls and floors to accumulate, store and distribute the sun's thermal energy as a clean source of heat. This technique does not require the use of electrical or power driven mechanisms such as fans, pumps or electrical control. The system depends entirely on heat from the sun received through south-facing windows. Passive solar heat uses principles of convection, conduction and radiation to distribute the heat. It also employs roof overhangs or other parts of the structure to prevent overheating or underheating from occurring.

Geothermal Heat Pump System

• Most geothermal heat pumps work best in regions with moderate temperatures. This heating technique takes advantage of ground temperatures within 10 feet of the surface, which has a constant temperature range of between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat pump, which has the ability to heat and cool, circulates warm water through an underground piping system called a heat exchanger. The heat pump distributes the warm-water heat to the building. Heat from the water is converted into warm air. The system uses less electricity than forced-air furnaces. Geothermal heat pumps cost more initially, but property owners recoup the costs through the money saved on operating expenses.