What is Hydronic Heating?

F  or thousands of families, the winter season is the bane of energy bills and all-day heating. Now, radiant heating systems in Toronto are taking over multiple households. This smart green utility option uses piping to circulate hot water throughout the home, allowing heat to radiate into specific rooms at a comfortable and consistent temperature. Unlike traditional forced-air systems, hydronic radiant heating implements a far more sophisticated installation technique. Here’s how it works.

The Process of Heat Transfer

Heat transfer occurs via:

• Conduction : Heat moves through objects that physically touch, from warmer to colder. The feeling is similar to that of taking slow steps across a cold, tiled floor. Density impacts an object’s ability to become conductive—the precise reason liquids are more efficient conductors than gas.
• Convection : Fluids or gases convect when they transfer heat as they circulate from one area to another. This heat movement is typical in traditional forced-air systems, wherein warm air flows out of vents and into a room.
• Radiation : During thermal radiation, heat travels in invisible waves through space and is unaffected by wind or movement. Instead, neighbouring objects in the path of the beam absorb heat directly.

Over conventional forced-air systems, hydronic heating relies on more than convection and air. In fact, the air is such a poor conductor of heat that its role is limited to a means of insulation used between the panes of energy-efficient windows.

How Hydronic Heating Systems Work

Hydronic radiant heat is produced in three steps:

1. First, the boiler system quickly and efficiently heats the liquid via conduction.
2. Then, as the water pumps throughout the home, heat radiates into concrete, tile, and other flooring types.
3. Finally, the flooring radiates heat from the water into the room.

The results are consistent and will allow for more warmth in lower temperatures compared to traditional heating systems.

Why are Hydronic Heating Systems Better?

Forced-air systems blow hot air through a series of ductwork around the home, resulting in cold and hot spots due to poor circulation. With a cheap system, temperature spikes and dips are more likely to occur.

Radiant heating also allows for personalized temperature control over multiple zones—there’s no need to worry about keeping doors closed to trap heat into one space. This level of control balances humidity levels, whereas traditional mechanisms pull additional moisture out of the home in the process of heating.

Hydronic heating equipment is quiet, emitting no noise when kicking on and turning off. Plus, if you or a family member suffer from seasonal allergies, there’s no need to worry about dust and budgeting for filters.

Conclusion

Hydronic heating systems are versatile, giving homeowners the freedom to design a system based on their specific needs. Now, residential heating in Toronto, ON, is more efficient, cleaner, and healthier. Not to mention, they accommodate all types of local fuel sources—from propane, electricity, natural gases, and oils.

With Temp-a-Sure, our hydronic heating systems work to provide the natural sensation of standing next to a window on a sunny day or walking across the beach on the warm sand. For heating repair in Toronto and other cost-effective heating solutions, schedule an appointment today.