Glossary of Radiant Heat Terminology
This is a handy glossary that covers terminology relating to radiant heat systems. Have a suggestion for an entry? Please tell us about it and we will add it!
Allergens
Allergens are particles in the air, such as pollen and dust mites, which cause an allergic reaction. Radiant heat reduces dust mites and air borne allergens by 60%-90%. No other heating system reduces allergens as effectively as a radiant heating system.
Boiler
An appliance that heats water for radiant heating systems, often designed for water temperatures in excess of 160 degrees.
BTU
BTU is an acronym for "British Thermal Units", which is a measure of energy output. For a radiant heating system, the amount of energy required to heat the space to 70 degrees is expressed in BTU’s and is used to determine the required output required of the heat source. It is also used as a standard efficiency comparison between different heating fuels. Basically, one BTU equals the amount of energy that will raise one pound of water up one degree Fahrenheit. A single lit match produces about 1 BTU.
Conductive Heat
The direct transmission of heat through a medium or object; a good example of conductive heat would be a cooking pot sitting on the hot burner of a stove.
Convection Heat
Heat which is transferred by air currents; a good example of convection heat would be opening the door to a warm room in order to allow heat to pass into an adjoining cold room.
Electric Floor Heat
A system that uses electrical elements that are embedded in the floor to carry heat through your floors and warm your home; Electric floor systems are typically used in small homes, or a few rooms of a larger home.
Flooring
This refers to the type of flooring in your home, which will usually be one of the following; carpet, ceramic tile, concrete, hardwood, linoleum, marble, or stone.
Forced air
Heat is produced in a centralized area of your home and then distributed throughout the rooms of your home via a ductwork system.
Fuel Efficiency
The percentage of energy released by fuel combustion that is ultimately converted into useable energy. Different fuel sources produce varying fuel efficiencies.
Fuel Source
The boiler or water heater needs a fuel source in order to heat water. The fuel source can be electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood, or a combination.
Hydronic Floor Heat
A system that uses tubing under or embedded in the floor to carry heated water through your home. Hydronic systems are typically used in commercial facilities and entire home heating projects.
PEX Tubing
A durable cross-linked Polythene tubing, that can withstand high fluidic pressures and temperatures. Not all PEX is the same, different manufacturing processes produce different quality PEX. Pex Tubing is ideal for radiant floor heating systems, plumbing applications, snow melting applications, and much more.
R-Value
Also known as Resistance Value; This value refers to the thermal resistance that a material has to heat flow. Higher R-Values mean that less heat will radiate through your floors. Lower R-Values means that more heat will radiate through your floors more easily.
Radiant Heat
Type of heating where warmth is delivered into a space via a heated surface. In home heating systems, the surface is usually heated via hot water, electrical heating elements, or steam pipes embedded in ceilings, walls, and most commonly, floors. Heat is absorb into the room surface material and is then radiated into the space. Radiant heating systems eliminate problems such as cold spots, drafts, and allergens typically associated with forced air systems.
Thermostat
A unit that senses temperature, which also controls and maintains the climate of your home
Zoning
A method of regulating the climate in different rooms/areas of your home to suit your lifestyle; Zoning ability is only available with a radiant heating system; forced air central heating systems typically only allow you to select one temperature for your entire house.
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