Problems With Hydronic Trenches & Radiation

Cost

• Trench heaters must run at temperatures of 180 degrees Fahrenheit to provide sufficient heat to a room. Conventional under-floor heating tubes run at temperatures of 122 F. The higher temperatures required for trench heating mean that it is expensive to run. The disadvantages of its running costs must be balanced against the aesthetics of keeping visible heaters and radiators out of sight.

Cleaning and Health

• Trench systems require regular and frequent cleaning, as dirt and debris can fall through the grilles and accumulate around the bottom of the trenches. Hot and cold air blowing through the system may cause the growth of mold spores in a building.

Complexity

• Trench heating adapts best to straight walls and standard manufacturer’s lengths. Curved or irregularly shaped rooms require a bespoke heating system design, adding further to costs. Leaks may be difficult to identify. This system cannot be installed below any object whether mounted wall cupboard or painting.

Response Time

• Trench and under-floor heating systems can take up to 30 minutes to warm up, making the long response time one if their greatest disadvantages. They require an equally long time to cool down. Unless a building has constant occupancy and a sophisticated control system, the heat may be wasted. The occupants of a room may have to open windows to cool a room down while the system is still transmitting heat.