Michigan winters are known for their long stretches of frigid weather. Homeowners looking to relax in comfort this year should consider a radiant floor heating system. These innovative heating solutions are a convenient and comfortable way to warm up your family this winter. Radiant heating setups also help improve indoor air quality and reduce energy bills, making them more than worthy of consideration when looking to upgrade or remodel your home.
Hydronic Radiant Basics
Hydronic heating systems utilize a network of pipes located underneath the flooring, walls, or other surfaces. As heated water circulates through the pipes, the floor or wall acts as a radiator, warming the room. The principle of radiant heat transfer explains this phenomenon, as thermal energy transfers from hot to cold objects. The water used in a hydronic system is warmed up by a boiler, a tankless setup, or a traditional heat pump. Great Dane recommends using a boiler for your Michigan home due to its overall effectiveness and how impressively quiet your setup will run.
What makes radiant floor heating so special is how accurate and consistent it is compared to traditional heating methods. By utilizing electromagnetic waves to distribute the thermal energy evenly, radiant systems avoid the problem of inconsistent heating found in older setups. Modern systems are completely noiseless and can help people with highly sensitive allergies by improving indoor air quality.
Zoning
You can install radiant floor heating just about anywhere, and you always want to provide warmth throughout your home. That said, not all rooms in your abode are created equally. Some spaces, such as your bedroom, need more heat than less populated areas like the attic. That’s where radiant floor zones come into play. These allow you to customize the temperature in each room by dividing your house into individual regions with their own control settings.
To establish various zones in your home, you can install additional thermostats and zone valves for each area you wish to delineate. This is best performed by a professional HVAC team, like Great Dane, that will safely complete the project to code. The extra effort is worth it to take advantage of benefits such as precise control, flexibility, and improved energy efficiency throughout your place.
Boiler Radiant Heat Detroit
When opting for a radiant heat system, you must first confirm the compatibility between your boiler unit and the flooring material in question. Each boiler unit has a set of technical specifications that determine its power output and temperature potential. The goal is to pair your boiler with a flooring material that is conducive to a hydronic system.
For instance, highly conductive materials like stone, marble, concrete, and slate work well with radiant heat transfer processes. However, each type of wood has various thermal characteristics, meaning extra research is recommended. The same is true of materials like laminate flooring and vinyl. These options may be used in some cases, but consulting the manufacturer of your boiler first is always a safe bet.
Where Radiant Heat Makes the Most Sense
When installing radiant floors in Michigan, it helps to prioritize rooms that can benefit the most from the upgrade. Homeowners tend to get the most value from hydronic heating in finished basements and as part of bathroom remodeling projects. Basements tend to be naturally colder than the rest of the house, and by adding hydronic heating in the bathroom, you will no longer have to worry about chilly toes when exiting the shower.
Professional Hydronic Heating You Can Trust
Great Dane has ensured customers like you experience the service you deserve since 1999. As homeowners in the Greater Detroit area ourselves, we know just how much it means to receive honest and reliable service, especially on critical home infrastructure that impacts your family’s comfort. That’s why we provide radiant heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, and general HVAC services to our extensive coverage area. No matter what your home needs, we have a friendly and knowledgeable technician who can help. Great Dane stands behind our work and prioritizes your safety on every project.
For expert radiant heating services in Detroit, MI, give Great Dane a call today!
