If you are concerned with the environment, your choice of a heating system could make an enormous difference to the planet. You have to know about the two types of heating systems, radiant heat and forced air, and how they compare in terms of efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions, and cost-benefit analysis.
Pros and Cons of Radiant Heating or Forced Air
You first need to know that both systems have their pros and cons. For example, radiant heat can be used in low-ceiling houses because it heats from below. The air circulates naturally, and you do not have to spend much on heating.
However, radiant heating systems do not work well in houses with a high ceiling because the warm air rises to the top of your home instead of circulating down to the floor. In that case, forced air may be a better choice.
Energy Efficiency
Radiant heat is usually more efficient than forced-air systems because it heats objects from below rather than blowing warm air onto them from above. However, if you have a forced-air system, it is more efficient than radiant heat because forced air systems use evaporative cooling to get rid of the heat you do not need.
In this scenario, you could keep your thermostat at 46°C and use only about 4% of the energy used by a radiator. That is because the radiator will constantly try to heat your room to a higher temperature. It means that you can turn down your thermostat frequently if you have a forced-air system.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
A forced-air system will generally beat radiant heat in terms of carbon emissions. Forced air systems are more efficient, and they use evaporative cooling to reduce the temperature. Radiant systems have the advantage in this scenario because they are very efficient when you turn them down.
That means you can keep your house at a lower temperature with less power. Therefore, it is clear that both systems have environmental benefits, whichever way you look at them.
Hydronic Heating vs. Furnaces
Radiant heat vs forced air is a highly discussed topic. Radiant heating, also commonly known as hydronic heating, uses a network of pipes, either in the floor or in the ceiling, to distribute heat- because the pipes are insulated and controlled by a central thermostat, it is more energy-efficient than forced air systems.
The fan that distributes air through forced air systems wastes a lot of energy. In addition, it can be highly obtrusive. The pipes often stick out the sides of your home, and the HVAC unit is positioned over your ceiling – both can be unattractive and inefficient.
Forced air heating, also known as furnaces and heat pumps, is a highly efficient way to heat your home. It can use high-pressure air to circulate around your house quickly and efficiently. The downside is that it is also the most expensive type of heating. It uses a fan to push air over your floor or ceiling heating unit and into your entire home.
Cost-benefit Analysis
Therefore, to do a cost-effective analysis, forced air and radiant systems’ prices will vary depending on where you live. Generally, the average system cost for a forced-air system hovers around $5,000 while radiant heat runs at about $3,200.
Therefore, if you want to cut down on your carbon footprint, it may be best to use a radiant heating system. According to the EPA, the average American spends about $1,800 annually on heating their home. Yearly, that adds up to $4,600 in energy bills. If you are using radiant heat, that will be cut down to $1,800, and a total of $3,200, you will end up paying the energy company.
Radiant heat is the eco-friendlier choice because it uses natural air circulation to heat your home. It also saves you money and is a more efficient heating option. Forced air systems use electricity to power a fan that forces heated air into your home – that is not good for the environment because it uses energy and produces carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, they are costly and complicated to install, which can be problematic if you are not an experienced HVAC technician.
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