Why Installing a Hydronic Heating System is a Good Idea: Advantages and Benefits 

Is your existing heating system too expensive to operate, or it is old and breaks too often, costing you too much for frequent repairs? Are you planning to switch from the electric or oil-powered system to a more affordable and reliable gas heating?

No matter the size of your home or the number of family members, installing a hydronic heating system could be the solution you’re looking for. Here, you’ll find valuable tips whether you’re building a new house, upgrading an existing system, or replacing an old one.

Choosing the Right Hydronic Heating System Can Help You Save

Choosing or changing the heating system could be a decision that will make a significant relief on your household budget and enhance your comfort. More than 60% of the annual energy is required to operate home heating, so choosing wisely can get you excellent cost reduction and a long-term and comfortable solution.

Also, about 20% of the energy is required for water heating, which is the second-largest energy consumer in one’s home. So, combining home and water heating into one system with the installation of a tankless combi heater might be one of the cost-effective solutions for you.

Selecting the Best Home Heating System: Factors to Consider

Fuel type or energy source. Electricity and natural gas are the most popular fuels in the US and Canada. Natural gas is cheaper and operational costs are lower, making it our first choice. Electricity costs more, but the heat pumps, such as the air source or geothermal, will get you an efficient system that will pay off in the long run. This system is recommended in regions where natural gas is not available and in less severe climates.

Heat distribution. Before choosing a heating system, decide how you want the heat to be distributed. The way how heat is distributed affects the efficiency of the system and your comfort. Two methods are the most popular; forced air and hot water circulation.

Efficiency. According to some experts, efficiency is the most important factor to consider. If the efficiency is high, your operating costs will be lower. Check out the AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency for gas and oil systems, HSPF, or Heating Season Performance Factor for the electric air-to-air heat pumps and COP or Coefficient of Performance for geothermal heat pumps. Look for high-efficiency gas furnaces with an AFUE of above 90%, HSPF of 9, and higher for the air source heat pumps, and COP of 3 for geothermal.

Cost. The cost is also an essential factor for many, but here is the catch. Don’t look at the initial cost only, but the operating cost, or how much money you will spend monthly to run the unit and have decent comfort.

The right heating system is the efficient one, lasts for a long time, is affordable, has low operating costs, and is clean (it does not emit various pollutants into the atmosphere).

When it comes to pollution, every heating device is directly or indirectly involved in pollution increase. Gas furnaces would emit pollutants at the point of use, while electrical units where the energy is generated.

In my opinion, installing a hydronic heating system powered by natural gas is the best choice. It offers clean, efficient, and cost-effective heating.

Types of Home Heating Systems

When it comes to heating your home, there are several options available, each suited to different needs, preferences, and energy sources. Heating systems can be powered by various fuels, including electricity, oil, wood, gas, and solar energy, or even a combination of these sources. With the wide range of equipment and numerous manufacturers on the market, choosing the right system can be overwhelming.

The most common types of heating equipment used in North America include:

• Furnace
• Baseboard heater
• Boiler
• Heat pump

Two systems are the most present in central home heating: forced air and hydronic (hot water systems).

What is Forced Air Heating?

Forced air heating systems use warm air to heat your home. These systems consist of a furnace, ducts, registers, and controllers that work together to generate and distribute heated air throughout the house. The furnace acts as the heat source, warming the air, which is then circulated through a network of ducts and vents.

While forced air systems are quick and effective at heating, they can lead to dry air in the home. These systems are typically powered by gas, oil, or electricity, offering flexibility depending on the energy source available.

What is Hydronic Heating and How Does It Work? (Focusing on Radiator Systems)

Hydronic heating systems use warm or hot water to distribute heat throughout a space. These systems can be used with radiant floor heating or radiator systems, depending on the setup.

In hydronic systems that use radiators, hot water is heated in a boiler and circulated through pipes by circulation pumps. The hot water is delivered to radiators or baseboards, transferring heat to the surrounding air. After the water circulates through the home and releases its heat, it returns to the boiler for reheating. These systems are typically equipped with controllers such as thermostats and valves to regulate the process.

Hydronic radiator systems are commonly found in European homes and buildings. Since the radiators are installed above the floor and mounted on the wall, they occupy space and may not be visually appealing—unless you have vintage-style radiators. These systems usually operate with water temperatures around 80°F and function in a closed system.

Types of Hydronic Radiators

Older homes tend to have wrought-iron pipes and cast-iron radiators, while modern homes typically use copper or plastic pipes with aluminum radiators or panels. Radiators or panels are installed in each room, and towel warmers can also be added to bathrooms for extra comfort.

How Radiators Work

Radiators use convection to heat the air in a room. As the radiator heats the air, it rises toward the ceiling, cools down, and falls back to the floor, where it is heated again. This continuous cycle ensures even distribution of heat. However, if the system is not properly designed, it could lead to cold and hot spots, affecting comfort levels.

Radiator Placement

Radiators are usually placed below windows or near doors. This placement helps counteract the cold air from outside, as the cold air drops onto the radiator or baseboard and gets heated, reducing the impact of drafts from windows and doors.

Piping Systems

Installing a hydronic heating system typically involves using either a one-pipe or two-pipe arrangement to distribute heated water in residential homes.

Outdoor Applications

In addition to indoor heating, hydronic systems can also be used for outdoor applications. For example, they are commonly used to melt snow on driveways or to heat pools, offering versatile solutions for both home comfort and convenience.

Components of Hydronic Heating Systems

Installing a hydronic system is a versatile and efficient way to heat a building, using liquid as the medium to transfer heat. Depending on the energy source and system design, these systems can include a range of components. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential and optional components that make up hydronic heating systems:

Heating Source

The heating source is the heart of the system, responsible for generating the heat. Common options include:

• Boilers: These can be powered by gas, oil, or electricity. Modern boilers often include features like high-efficiency condensing technology, which maximizes energy use by recovering heat from exhaust gases.
• Tankless Water Heaters: Compact and energy-efficient, these provide on-demand hot water for smaller hydronic systems.
• Heat Pumps: Air-source or ground-source heat pumps are eco-friendly options, drawing heat from the air or ground.
• Solar Thermal Systems: These systems use solar collectors to harness energy from the sun, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

Heating Elements

Heating elements are the devices that emit heat into the living space. Key types include:

• Radiators: Typically made of cast iron, steel, or aluminum, radiators provide steady, radiant heat.
• Baseboard Heaters: These are compact and installed along the baseboards of walls, making them ideal for discreet heating.
• Hydronic Panels: Thin and wall-mounted, panels are modern alternatives to radiators, offering even heat distribution.
• Underfloor Heating: Embedded pipes under the floor provide radiant heat for uniform comfort.

Circulation Pump

The circulation pump ensures efficient movement of the heated liquid. Without it, heat transfer relies on gravity or natural convection. Features to consider include:

• Variable Speed Pumps: Adjust flow rates automatically to optimize energy efficiency.
• Inline or End-Suction Pumps: These come in various sizes and capacities for different system requirements.

Heating Fluid

The liquid in a hydronic system serves as the heat transfer medium. Options include:

• Water: The most common and economical choice, ideal for most climates.
• Glycol Solutions: A water-glycol mixture is used in colder regions to prevent freezing and protect the system. Corrosion inhibitors are often added for durability.

Tubing

Tubing connects the system components, transporting the heated liquid. Materials vary based on application:

• Plastic (PEX or CPVC): Flexible, durable, and resistant to scaling, making it popular for modern systems.
• Copper: Traditional and reliable, with excellent heat transfer properties.
• Steel: Used in heavy-duty systems or industrial applications due to its strength.

Other Components

Installing a hydronic heating system involves more than just the basic components like the heat source, pipes and radiators; several additional elements enhance its performance and efficiency.

Here are some of the essential and optional components that make hydronic systems more effective:

• Controllers. Controllers allow precise management of the system for comfort and efficiency.
• Thermostats. These regulate room temperature by controlling the heating source or circulation pump. Smart thermostats offer remote control and scheduling.
• Radiator Valves. These let you control heat output from individual radiators.
• Zone Controllers. Enable separate temperature control for different areas or zones within the building.
• Expansion Tank. They absorb excess pressure caused by the expansion of heated liquid.
• Air Eliminators. These devices remove trapped air from the system, ensuring smooth operation and preventing noise or reduced efficiency.
• Manifolds. They distribute heated liquid to various zones or circuits. They are commonly used in systems with underfloor heating or multiple radiators.
• Insulation. Proper insulation for pipes and tanks minimizes heat loss, improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Advantages of Hydronic Heating

• Even heat distribution. When comparing hydronic vs. air-forced heating systems, hydronic systems provide improved home comfort as they can heat your home more evenly. There are no cold basements, hot attics, cold drafts, and no sudden bursts of air.
• Energy-efficient. Water is a better heat conductor than air, so less energy is used to heat the medium. So, as the hot water holds more heat than air, also longer, it will transfer heat easier and more efficiently than air, bringing you more savings.
• Quiet. Air-forced systems use powerful blowers to distribute heat throughout the house making hydronic systems quieter.
• Healthier. As the hydronic systems do not use ductwork and are blowing air through it, they don’t spread dust and allergens around, as the forced-air systems. It does not dry the air when heating in the winter.
• Convenience and comfort. Using zoning with multiple thermostats, hydronic heating is easier to control and provides an even distribution of heat. By using multi zones inside your home, you can personalize the temperature in each room. In the case of floor heating, tiles and flooring will always be warm, so no more cold feet.
• Less energy loss. Again, due to the lack of ductwork, hydronic systems are not prone to high heat losses.
• Flexibility. Due to the smaller pipe size, running piping is easier than ducts. You can also install in-floor heating, which provides even better comfort. You can add radiators, warmers, and units for snow melting.
• Versatility. Boilers that are used for space heating can also be used to provide domestic hot water.

Disadvantages

• The hydronic heating systems take longer to heat the space.
• Heat exchangers and their pipes occupy room space and usually do not match with the interior design.
• The water inside the pipes is prone to leaks and freezing.
• No ventilation and air conditioning, which are available in forced-air systems.
• Higher installation costs.
• Hot and cold spots if not properly designed.

How to Make Your Home More Efficient

Installing a hydronic heating system can be an effective way to make your home more energy-efficient. In addition to choosing a heating system, there are several other steps you can take to optimize your home’s energy use and reduce costs. Here are some simple tips to improve efficiency:

• Lower the temperature of your home. Set your thermostat to the recommended temperature. The optimal temperature is around 70 F. If you reduce the temperature, just one degree, you will save approximately 3%.
• Check for air leaks. Don’t keep your doors and windows open. Reduce air leakage using caulking and weather-stripping. If you have to install new and more efficient ones, make sure to insulate your home effectively.
• Reduce energy usage by installing thermostat-controlled valves and through zone control.
• Insulate hot water pipes.
• Refill the radiators with water and bleed the air bubbles.
• Do not cover the radiators and their pipes; allow unrestricted airflow.

Are Hydronic Heating Systems Worth It?

Installing a hydronic heating system is a worthwhile investment for many homeowners, offering superior comfort, energy efficiency, and flexibility. By using water as a medium for heat transfer, these systems provide consistent and evenly distributed warmth, minimizing the drafts and temperature fluctuations often associated with other heating methods. They are particularly well-suited for homes in colder climates, as well as those seeking to reduce energy costs over the long term.

While the initial installation cost of hydronic systems may be higher than other heating options, the long-term savings on energy bills and the potential increase in home value often outweigh the upfront expenses. Additionally, the quiet operation, low maintenance, and compatibility with renewable energy sources like solar make them an environmentally friendly choice.

Ultimately, hydronic heating systems are an excellent option for those who prioritize comfort, efficiency, and sustainability in their heating solution. However, as with any major investment, it’s important to assess your specific needs, budget, and home layout to determine if this system is the right fit for you.