Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
Heating and air conditioning your house
About radiant heating
There are three methods of heat transfer: conduction, in which heat transfers directly from an object touching another object; convection, in which heat is transferred through a liquid or through the air by moving currents around an object; and radiation, in which objects are heated directly by a heat source over a distance, such as the warmth of the sun. There are three kinds of radiant heating systems for the floors, ones that utilize hot air, ones that use electricity, and ones that utilize hot water, which are also known as hydronic systems. The Romans were the first to use hot air as a method of warming up a room, but this technology is obsolete nowadays since air is an inefficient way to transfer heat. Electric radiant heat has been compared to having an electric blanket installed underneath the floor since it involves a system of thin electric cables put under such flooring as hardwood, tile, stone or laminated materials. The most in-demand method of radiant heat generation is hydronics, which involves pumping hot water from a boiler through a network of tubes installed under the floors. Using the right hydronic system you can regulate the temperature in every room by adjusting how much hot water flows through the tubing loops underneath each room’s floor. Both hydronic and electric radiant heating systems use one of two installation methods, either “dry” installation,in which the water tubing or electric cables are put between sheets of plywood under the floor, or “wet” installations which embed the cables or tubing in concrete. When selecting the most suitable flooring to go in with the new radiant floor heating system, keep in mind that ceramic tile works best with radiant heat, and non-laminated, solid hardwood covered by carpet is the least efficient.
Radiant floor heating systems
Environmentally sound, money-saving, and safer for people and pets, radiant heating systems are quite popular with a lot of homeowners. The design philosophy for radiant heating systems is to initially heat the ceilings, floors and walls of the home which in turn heat the items nearby, and subsequently radiates out and the air is heated. Compare this heating system with traditional forced air systems that push lots of hot air into a room, and as the air gets warmer the room heats up, however this means the floors stay cold even as you notice the warmth on your face. Depending on your needs you will be able to choose between liquid or electric radiant heating technologies. Hot liquid systems pump hot water or oil through a series of pipes, while electric systems consist of a a series of cables as the source of heat. The series of tubes in a hot liquid system, usually known as a hydronic system, are commonly sandwiched between plywood wallboards, or laid down over a slab of concrete. Nowadays, hot air based heating systems are obsolete (the Romans had them) and rarely used because air in itself can not hold large amounts of heat.
Heating with electric radiant floors
Probably the most energy efficient heat installation is electric radiant floor heater consisting of a series of slender cables installed underneath your flooring. Instead of warming the air and fanning it around, this system heats the floor which in turn warms the objects and people in a room, ensuring an even temperature. You can realize a reduction in energy costs by more than 30% thanks to the steady room temperature and improved retention of heat. Maintenance expenses for this kind of heating are nearly non-existent and you don’t need to worry about changing filters, cleaning out ducts or replacing worn out valves. Forced air heating systems often create dusty, drafty environments, especially when dirt and dust is easily trapped by floor vents. Because there are no buzzing fans and rattling radiators, this is a silent and comfortable method of heating. The material you use for flooring is critical, and you should choose either porcelain, ceramics or stone, but avoid hardwoods that contract and expand.
There are many additional sites which address heating and cooling subjects. Do you want information about oil furnaces? If that is the case, following the link to Maintaining An Oil Furnace will be advisable. Do you want information about the best pellet stove? Then The Best Pellet Stoves will be able to help.