Go Green with Hydronic Heating Systems
Looking for ways to go green? Eco-conscious commercial owners prefer the Hydronic heating system to keep their building comfortable and healthy. Hydronics provide a smart heating alternative to help reduce energy costs and conserve resources when compared to other HVAC systems. If you’re interested in going green, here’s what you need to know about Hydronic heating systems.
What are Hydronic Heating Systems?
A typical HVAC system uses forced air to transfer heat from room to room. Hydronic systems, however, use water instead. So, how does this work? Well, there’s a boiler that contains hot water which travels through a network of metal pipes to each area of a building. The pipes feed into the heaters and radiators, which are usually mounted on or near the floor. The heaters extract heat from the water. Then, that heat simply radiates into the air, instead of being forced out.
Of the three types of heat transfer – conduction, convection, and radiation – radiation is the most effective. The heat is simply absorbed by people and objects. That’s why hydronics are so energy efficient. On the other hand, traditional HVAC systems use convection to blow air out of vents. While this can be effective, we know that air is not the best heat conductor.
Green Building Design
Both hydronic and forced air systems have their advantages. However, you can’t deny that hydronics are the greener option. The boiler or water heater operates at high efficiency which helps to reduce energy costs every month. And, this is one of the first perks people notice after installing a hydronic heating system. Also, water is a better heat conductor than air. As a result, the system can transport heat throughout a building easier so less energy is required.
If you wish to leave an environmentally-friendly footprint, start with hydronics. The Severn Group can help you choose a system that works best for your building. We’ll also install it and service it as needed. And with our preventative maintenance program, you’ll be sure to enjoy your heating system long into the future.
The Benefits of Hydronics
Water is much more energy efficient than forced air. But, that’s not the only benefit of hydronic heating systems. They also tend to provide better, more consistent heat distribution. For example, there are less drafty areas or hot spots than you might have with a forced air system. Other advantages include:
- Increased comfort
- Easy zoning
- Balanced humidity (i.e. air doesn’t feel dry)
- Healthier air quality
- User-friendly
- Quiet operation
People prone to allergies often prefer hydronics. They don’t raise as much dirt, dust, and allergens as forced air systems do. Plus, they heat a room from the floor upwards. This makes them very effective at heating rooms comfortably and quickly.
Want to learn more about hydronic heating systems? Get in touch with the HVAC experts at The Severn Group. We serve homeowners and facility managers all over Maryland and the Washington metro areas. Call 443-837-0828 or submit an online form.