How Does Hydronic Heating Work?

What You Need to Know About Hydronic Heating

How Does Hydronic Heating Work?

Considering a Hydronic Heating System? Here's How It Works. There’s more going on with hydronic heating units than just heating the water and distributing it. The science behind heat transfer is what makes it effective. There are three ways that heat transfers: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction

Conduction transfers heat when two objects are in physical contact. Heating up water in a pot on the stove would be an example of conduction as would pushing your hand up against a cold windowpane. As heat energy is absorbed by a surface, the molecules transfer the heat to other surfaces and will continue to do so as long as heat remains.

Convection

As fluids, such as air or gases, are heated and moved away from the source, it transports thermal energy. Heat is transferred as it circulates, such as in a traditional forced-air heating system. Air and gas, however, are poor conductors of heat. The further it travels from the source, the more quickly it cools.

Radiation

Thermal radiation generates heat from electromagnetic waves, which carry the energy from its origin. Heat is transferred as it circulates and is absorbed by objects or people in the path of the radiated heat. It’s an effective and efficient way of producing heat.

Hydronic Heating Uses Conduction And Radiant Technology

Hydronic heat is produced by combining conduction and radiant technology. A boiler uses conduction to heat the water or liquid inside the unit. As the hot liquid is circulated through the pipes, it heats anything it touches. This is used for radiant flooring, for example, heating the floor by conduction. Not only will you have a warm room this way, but you can eliminate cold floors on chilly mornings. When the hot liquid reaches the radiator or hydronic baseboard heater, it then radiates the heat from the water throughout the room.

Hydronic Heat Is Energy-Efficient

One of the reasons why hydronic heat is energy-efficient is that it feels warmer at lower temperatures than conventional heating. It also provides consistent heat rather than furnaces or heat pumps turning on and off. It maintains heat as long as it’s on. This can cut down on energy usage and lower your utility bills. Forced-air heating systems work by blowing warm air into a series of ducts and into individual room vents. Heat is lost as it’s transported since air is a poor conductor. If there’s a poor seal or gap in the ducts, it can create significant inefficiencies. The temperature will rise until it hits a predetermined temperature set by your thermostat and the system will shut off. It will come back on when the temp goes below your pre-set. This can create spikes and dips in temperatures and hot or colds spots due to placement or poor air circulation.

Hydronic Heating Systems Are Quiet

Hydronic heating systems are also exceptionally quiet. It can provide heat to the entire home without the sound of a furnace turning on, the air being blown through ducts, or the creaking and cracking sounds ducts can make as they heat up.

Hydronic Heaters Don’t Disturb The Air

People that have allergies or are susceptible to dust in the air love hydronic heating systems. Since hydronic heaters don’t rely on moving air to warm your home, it doesn’t kick up dust or allergens that can be dispersed from forced air systems. Hydronic heating units are self-contained, they also don’t require furnace filters like forced air systems to trap allergens, pollen, dust, or pet dander.  Checkout our quick guide on what it takes to install hydronic heating and the costs associated with it.