Types Of Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems

Types Of Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems

Hydronic Heating System Components

Hydronic radiant heating systems have seven basic components that work in concert to warm your home.

1. Boiler
   A boiler heats the liquid within your system.
2. Liquid
   Hydronic heating systems are closed-loop systems, which means the water stays contained in the piping. Most systems use water, although some can use other liquids.
3. Thermostat
   The thermostat controls the system, turns it on and off, and controls the temperature.
4. Manifold
   The manifold is the hub for directing the water flow.
5. Tubes
   In most cases, tubing is now plastic or PEX as opposed to copper or rigid tubing.
6. Heat Exchanger
   It might be radiant flooring, a radiator, or baseboard heaters. It transfers heat from the piping into the room.

   7.  Pump

       When the liquid in the system is heated, it is pumped through the pipes and circulated into the rooms.

       This keeps a steady flow of hot liquid.

Depending on your home, there are several options that you can choose from. That includes the type of boiler you choose.

Boiler Options For Hydronic Heating Systems

The boiler does the heavy lifting by heating the water. It’s an energy-efficient way to heat since there’s little wasted energy. Since the water travels in a closed path, there’s also little heat loss. Besides a traditional standard boiler, there are options.

A tankless hydronic water heater is designed for on-demand heat. It’s typically smaller than a traditional water heater as it does not provide water for the entire home, just for the hydronic heating system.

Whole house boilers supply water to hydronic heating systems as well as provide hot water for sinks, showers, and other uses. These have traditionally been found in commercial applications but are becoming more common in homes. Boilers can be tank-based or tankless water heaters.

Heat pumps preheat the water by absorbing the energy from outside air or in the ground. This reduces the amount of energy that’s needed to heat the water. These units are more common in moderate or warm climates; there have been advancements in heat pump technology making them more efficient and viable in colder climates as well. 

Solar water heaters can also be added to work alongside your boiler to increase energy efficiency. It won’t provide enough heat by itself, however.

Liquid Options For Hydronic Heating Systems

There may also be options for the type of liquid used in your hydronic heating system. Most use water. Some systems can use glycol or another form of antifreeze added to prevent the water from freezing. Depending on your climate and pipe installation, this may be necessary.

Heat Exchanger Options For Hydronic Heating Systems

While it’s technically called a heat exchanger, you might think of it as the delivery mechanism for the heat.

Radiant Flooring

Radiant flooring is one way to transfer heat into a home. Loops of pipes are installed either inside the concrete or underneath a thin layer of concrete added on top. It uses the concrete flooring as a thermal layer to radiate even heating. This type of hydronic radiant flooring is more commonly used in new construction.

Another type of radiant flooring is prefab panels that can lay on top of existing floors and beneath floor covering.

Baseboard Hydronic Heaters

Baseboard hydronic heating units are attached to walls typically underneath windows. Pipes can be installed along baseboards or inside walls or floor joists. They require less tubing than radiant flooring since they don’t have to cover the entire floor. Learn more about how hydronic heating works in our homeowner guide.

Radiators

Old-fashioned radiators have been redesigned for more modern applications but still work the same way. Boilers deliver the hot water to the radiators which transfer the heat.