Radiant Heating Systems
Most homes in the country rely on a furnace to send heat into the different rooms. A furnace heats up air and then uses a blower to distribute the air through the house. There are other methods for home heating that use entirely different methods, such as radiant heaters. Boilers connected to baseboard heaters and radiators are one kind of radiant heating system. There are others, such as in-floor and radiant tube heating systems. These heaters offer a number of benefits for homes.
If you are curious about using radiant heat to warm your house through the winter, contact Baxter Comfort Solutions. We provide installation for a wide range of hydronic, electric, and natural gas radiant heating systems. You can also look to us for repairs and other services in Baxter, IA and the “golden circle” between Ames, Des Moines, Marshalltown, and Newton.
What Makes Radiant Heating Different?
The standard furnace or heat pump is a type of forced–air heater that moves heat into a room through air currents. This is a type of convection heating, which is the transfer of heat through the air.
Radiant heating is a different type of heat transference altogether: the heat comes from waves that move from a heated object to another heated object, without raising the temperature of the air between. It’s the sensation that you feel coming up from a hot sidewalk on a sunny day. Radiant heating is more energy efficient than convection heating, and it also won’t have a negative effect on air quality because it doesn’t stir up and move around dust and other debris.
Reasons to Consider In–Floor Heating
A type of radiant heating that has risen in popularity in the U.S. is the in–floor heating system. This type of radiant heater warms up the floorboards (using either hot water or electric heating elements) to send waves of warmth into a home. Here are reasons you may want to have in–floor heating installed:
- Energy efficiency: Radiant heating is already one of the most efficient types of heating, and in–floor heating takes it up another level. Heat rising from beneath you is a quick and effective way to deliver warmth, meaning the heater will need to run less often.
- Comfortable: In–floor heating feels great. The toasty floor right under your feet is a wonderful sensation on a cold morning or evening.
- Even heating spread: In–floor heating leaves rooms without any cold spots.
Other Radiant Heating Services in Baxter
Our technicians are skilled with taking care of radiant heaters so they continue to function in top shape for as many years as possible. If you think your radiant heater is failing and needs to have repairs services, call us and we’ll come to your assistance. Make sure that you also sign up for our regular maintenance plan so your radiant heating system receives the annual care necessary for a long life and continued energy–efficient performance.
In addition to in–floor heating, we also install low–intensity and high–intensity radiant tube heating systems by top manufacturers Schwank and Reznor. These gas infrared systems are mounted from the ceiling and work well for large open areas and harsh environments. Contact us to learn if a radiant tube heater is right for your situation.
Baxter Comfort Solutions has served Baxter, IA and the surrounding areas for more than 75 years. We’ll help you save by going green!
Radiant Floor Heating in Newton
Putting Comfort Beneath Your Feet Since 1928
You jump out of bed, put your feet to the floor, and instantly regret it. The hardwood beneath your feet feels like a block of ice, delivering a rude awakening. With a look of disgust, you slide your feet into slippers and shuffle your way to the coffee maker. Wouldn’t it be nice if even the coldest day didn’t start with frigid floors? Well, that’s what installing a radiant floor heating system can get you.
Our HVAC company is proud to offer radiant heating repair, maintenance, and installation services throughout the Newton area. When you work with us, you can expect the job to be done right, the first time. To get quote on radiant floor installation—or to have us fix your old one—reach out to us at 641.328.8708.
What is Radiant Heating?
Heated floor systems use hot water pipes or electric wires beneath the floor to generate warmth. The heated air then rises, warming the entire room. They work best with bare floors and make even tiled or marble floors barefoot-friendly all year long. In terms of efficiency, it’s one of the best systems out there. This is because it doesn’t waste energy heating the air above the living space. If you’re tight on space, radiant floor systems also keep HVAC clutter to a minimum.
Existing in one form or another since the Roman empire, this type of heating system still has its place in the 21st century home. Beyond in-home use, you’ll also see similar methods utilized on driveway and roof melting systems.
How Do Radiant Floors Work?
The principles behind heated floor systems are relatively simple. Below is a quick overview of how they function:
- The attached thermostat tells your radiant system to turn on
- Your water heater or boiler raises the temperature of the wire or water pipe beneath the floor
- The system’s pump pushes the heated medium throughout your home
- Heat from beneath your floor raises and diffuses throughout your room
- Through the loop of wire or pipe, the now cooler liquid returns to the water heater
- The process repeats until your home’s air sensor reaches the set temperature
The Benefits of Installing Radiant Floors in Newton
When it comes to luxurious comfort, it’s hard to beat heated floors. They make getting out of bed or the shower a pleasant occurrence, not one punctuated by shocking cold. Though there are some drawbacks to consider, the advantages of radiant floors far outweigh the drawbacks. These include:
- Uniform Heating: The biggest advantage of in-floor heating is its ability to uniformly heat floor and room. Central heating systems distribute air through vents. Where these are located determines which parts of the room will be warmest. This results in chilly spots at the room’s extremities. Because the heat covers the entire floor, this is not a concern in radiant systems.
- Less Maintenance: After installation, electric wire radiant system can go roughly 20 years without needing any maintenance, while it’s good for hydronic (water piped) systems to be inspected periodically. Should any leaks or breaks be detected, our thermal imaging cameras can quickly pinpoint the location of your in-floor heating repair. If you ever need professional HVAC support, just give Baxter Comfort Solutions a call.
- No Noise: The operation of some types of heating systems can be audible, if not annoying. This issue disappears with radiant floor heating because, unlike with central heating systems, there’s no large motor or blower involved. If you ever notice noises from beneath your feet, this is a sign that your radiant floor system needs attention ASAP.
- Hypoallergenic: Because no air is pushed around, radiant floor systems are great for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Installing them helps limit dust and the circulation of allergens.
- Energy Efficiency: Experts find that radiant floors heat your home around 20 percent more efficiently than a traditional furnace. The lack of ductwork—which often leaks—ensures comfort is more likely to get where you want it. A typical system of this type can be operated for less than a dollar a day.
As you can see above, the benefits of installing a heated floor are numerous. But what do you do if you already have one and it acts up? What if it needs maintenance done on it? Don't worry! Our Newton radiant heating experts are here to lend you a hand.
Our In-Floor Heating Services in Newton
Radiant Floor Repair
Do you need someone to fix your radiant floors in Newton? Then, look no further than the heating experts at Baxter Comfort Solutions. Whether there’s a leak or a section that’s failed, our HVAC experts can quickly locate and fix the issue.
Radiant Floor Heating Replacement
Do you have an older radiant floor system in Baxter or Newton? Is it time to replace it? Give 641.328.8708 a call to schedule a no-obligation installation quote. While there, our technician will take measurements to ensure the price provided is accurate.
Radiant Floor Maintenance
While electric radiant systems are virtually maintenance-free, water-based ones need occasional TLC. During your in-floor heating check-up, our staff will look for signs of small leaks, cracks, and pump issues. If anything is found, they’ll provide a quote on needed repairs.
Call Baxter Comfort Solutions for Radiant Heating Service in Newton
When you need radiant floor repair or installation in Newton, call the experts at Baxter Comfort Solutions. We’ve been proudly serving the Newton area since . In that time, we’ve gained intimate knowledge of the ins-and-outs of in-floor heating systems. We’ve also gained a reputation for providing quality work at a competitive price. But, don’t take our word for it! Visit our Google profile to see what your friends and neighbors had to say about our top-notch customer service!