How to Use Electric Radiant Heating as a Primary Heat Source

Hello and welcome to today's webinar entitled "How to Use Electric Radiant Heating as a Primary Heat Source." I'm Scott from WarmlyYours, and I'm Anatoly. As you can tell, we are the Merlot twins today; we got the memo this morning to make sure we wear the right stuff. So let's go ahead and get started. I apologize; I need to press the right button. If you have any questions during the presentation, feel free to ask them here. Just click on the "Ask a Question" section at the bottom of the screen, and we will be glad to answer any questions that come along. Additionally, we'll have a question and answer session at the end, so if you'd like to gather your thoughts and share them then, you're more than welcome to do that too.

Today, we will be discussing radiant heating, which is the main reason we're all here. We will also cover the heat loss calculator, along with the products and controls that we will be discussing. So, what exactly is radiant heating? Great question! Radiant heating is one of the three primary methods of transferring heat. For example, the human body produces heat, which is then lost to the surrounding cooler atmosphere. A successful heating system aims to minimize that loss to ensure your comfort. Typical convection heating focuses on warming the air, while radiant heating specifically warms the surfaces of objects through infrared waves. This is why radiant heating is so effective.

Many people who have switched to radiant heating in their bathrooms often expect the same experience as with hot air heating. They anticipate a blast of hot air when they enter the room, similar to opening an oven door. However, that's not how radiant heating feels. After standing in a room with radiant heating for a few minutes, you may notice that the air doesn't feel particularly warm, but your body is being warmed effectively. We'll delve into this concept further shortly. The principle behind both radiant floor heating and radiant panels is the same.

I received a question yesterday about the type of wavelength used in radiant heating and its significance. Radiant heat falls into the far infrared wavelength, which we cannot see or hear. It's not a radio wave; rather, it's similar to the warmth you feel from a fireplace or the sun, even on a cold day. If you stand in front of the sun, you can feel that warmth directly. To illustrate how radiant heat works, consider this: in the summertime, when you want to escape the heat, you might go under a tree. The far infrared rays are blocked by the tree, preventing them from reaching you.

As we transition into fall, you may have experienced a campfire on one of those brief autumn days. Imagine sitting in front of a campfire; you're warm until someone stands between you and the fire. Suddenly, that person feels warm, while you feel cold because the infrared rays are hitting them instead of you. This concept of line of sight is crucial when it comes to radiant heating. If you install a radiant panel on the wall and place an obstruction in front of it, the panel will only warm the obstruction, not you.

Now, let's discuss the three main ways of transferring heat: convection, conduction, and radiation. Convection transfers heat through fluids, such as gases or liquids. For instance, hot steam or liquid in a cup exemplifies convection. Conduction, on the other hand, occurs through direct contact, like when you touch a hot cup of coffee. Finally, radiation is the heat you feel when you place your hand near a warm object, such as a cup.

Let’s take a closer look at electric radiant floor heating. I find this drawing interesting, but I would love it even more if it depicted a basement. For those in Texas or the western U.S. who may not have basements, you might not fully understand the challenges faced in the Midwest and other eastern regions. In these areas, forced air heating typically originates from above, with vents blowing hot air down. However, hot air naturally rises, which can lead to discomfort.

In contrast, radiant heating relies on far infrared waves that warm objects in the room, including you. If we examine the radiant heat shot on the left, we can see warmth emanating from the floor. Conversely, in the room on the right, hot air rises to the ceiling, cools, and then descends, leaving you feeling cold while the air above remains warm. This is particularly noticeable when sitting on a couch with your feet on the floor, where cold air can circulate around your toes.

Now, let’s discuss the health benefits of floor heating. One of the primary advantages is that it doesn’t circulate hot air, which can carry dust and allergens. This means that you won't have to deal with dust bunnies accumulating in corners or hairballs from pets. However, a common concern arises regarding the types of floors that are easiest to heat. Typically, the floors that are easiest to heat are also the coldest, such as tile or stone.

These materials tend to absorb heat quickly, making them feel chilly without floor heating. However, once you add floor heating, these materials heat up rapidly, allowing for quick heating times. This means you can run the system on demand, heating the space as needed.

We often receive inquiries about whether a specific room can use radiant heating as a primary heat source. For example, someone might ask if a 10 by 10 room with an eight-foot ceiling can rely solely on radiant heating. Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward yes or no answer because there are too many variables involved. To determine if a heating source can be primary, you need to conduct a heat loss calculation to assess how much heat the room is losing.

This calculation isn't just about square footage and ceiling height; it also involves factors such as your zip code, climate, R-values, and the number and size of windows. All of these elements contribute to the overall heat loss, and understanding them is crucial for making an informed decision.

Once you gather this information, the heat loss calculator will provide you with the necessary data. You will input details about your walls, ceilings, flooring, and windows, and the program will calculate the BTUs required to heat the room effectively. By comparing the BTUs needed with those provided by the floor heating system, you can determine if it can serve as the primary heat source.

A common question arises regarding BTUs. Typically, you can take the number of watts that the product consumes—let's say a roll of heater—and multiply that by 3.41 to convert it to BTUs. Thus, 1 watt equals 3.41 BTUs in this calculation.

Scott also asked about the pros and cons of different flooring types, such as tile, vinyl, wood, laminate, and carpet, in terms of heat transfer. When considering heat transfer, materials like ceramic tiles are often preferable because they have a good heat transfer ratio and heat up quickly when the system is activated.

To illustrate this, let’s use a NASCAR analogy. Imagine two identical race cars: one with a restrictor plate limiting the fuel intake and the other without. The unrestricted car can achieve maximum speed, while the restricted one cannot. Similarly, tile flooring can reach higher temperatures than carpet or laminate, which often have temperature limits imposed by manufacturers.

This limitation is crucial when considering primary heating options. If you have a choice between flooring that can reach 100 degrees and one that is restricted to 85 degrees, the unrestricted option is the better choice for effective heating.

It's essential to remember that you don't need to stand on a 100-degree floor for long periods; typically, you won't be in direct contact with the floor for extended durations. The goal is to warm the room effectively, and tile flooring can help achieve that without restrictions.

As we continue discussing heat loss, it's important to identify the sources of heat loss. We often refer to these as "heat loss monsters." Common examples include large windows, fireplaces, and skylights, which can significantly contribute to heat loss. In a room with multiple exterior walls, heat loss can be substantial, especially if there is an unheated crawl space beneath.

When evaluating a room's warmth, consider the number of exterior walls and the presence of windows. A room with fewer exterior walls will retain heat better than one with many windows. This understanding is vital when determining whether a room can effectively utilize radiant heating as a primary source.

Now, let's explore the heat loss calculator, which is a crucial tool for assessing whether your heating system can serve as a primary heat source. You can find this calculator on our website, warmlyyours.com.

In new construction, the choice of subflooring is also important. Ideally, you want a subfloor that won't absorb heat. If you're using a concrete slab, insulation should be placed on top of the slab to ensure that heat rises rather than being absorbed.

Once you gather all the necessary information, the heat loss calculator will guide you through the process. You'll start by creating a room profile, entering your zip code, and selecting the room type. This initial step is essential for establishing the basics of your heat loss calculation.

As you proceed, you'll encounter dropdown menus that allow you to specify the flooring type and installation method. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate heating product and installation method.

In the next steps, you'll input details about the underfloor insulation, ceiling height, and wall types. Each of these factors contributes to the overall heat loss calculation. For instance, if you have a room with zero exterior walls, it will retain heat better than a room with multiple exterior walls.

When adding windows and doors, you must first establish the exterior wall before you can input specific details about the openings. Each window and door will have its own impact on heat loss, so it's essential to provide accurate information to achieve the best results.

Once you've completed the heat loss calculation, you'll receive a breakdown of the results. This includes total heat loss, which will help you determine whether your radiant heating system can serve as a primary heat source.

If the total heat loss exceeds the BTUs your system can provide, you may need to consider supplemental heating options, such as baseboard heaters or radiant panels. These can help compensate for any shortfall in heat supply, ensuring your space remains comfortable.

In conclusion, electric radiant heating can be an effective primary heat source when properly calculated and installed. By understanding the principles of heat transfer, evaluating your space, and utilizing the heat loss calculator, you can make informed decisions about your heating needs. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found this information valuable. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us at WarmlyYours. Until next time, be warm and be radiant!