How Does Radiant Heat Work

Types

There are four main types of radiant heat: under-floor heating, ceiling heating, wall heating and over-head heating, predominantly used out of doors. The most common type of radiant heat found in homes is wall heating and ceiling heating. Ceiling heating is also used in large factories and warehouses. Under-floor radiant heat works well under concrete and asphalt and is, therefore, often installed under driveways to keep them free from snow and ice during the winter. With the exception of over-head heating, the different types of radiant heat work in essentially the same way.

Function

Radiant heat works through pipes that are placed just below the surface of the wall, ceiling or floor. These pipes are generally low-insulated rubber filled with electric coil that is attached to a generator. When the generator is turned on, electric energy runs through the coils producing heat. The heat is emitted out through the protective piping and then through the surface of the ceiling, wall or floor. Piping for a radiant heat fixture will cover the entire area of the ceiling, wall or floor to evenly heat the space and keep the overall temperature of the piping relatively low. In some instances, the pipes may work with hot water or steam instead of electricity; however, these types are less common in the modern world. Radiant heat is an efficient and easy to maintain heating solution; however, it is vulnerable to being compromised. If a surface that retains radiant heat is punctured, it will not only damage the heating unit but could also result in serious injury due to electrocution.

Over-Head Heaters

Over-head radiant heat, most commonly found in patio space heaters, works by radiating heat from a tightly wrapped metal coil through a wire mesh casing. Alternatively, some types of over-head heaters utilize gas powered flame as the heating source. The heat source is traditionally covered by a metal umbrella, called a mushroom top, which focuses the heat down and out.

Tags: radiant heat, ceiling heating, ceiling wall, ceiling wall floor, heat works, heating ceiling