By Jim Ellia on Feb 1, 2019 in Radiant Heating |

Radiant floor heat is one of the oldest forms of heating a structure, dating all the way back the Roman Empire.  Radiant flooring provides numerous benefits including increased comfort, evenly distributed temperatures, cleaner air, no cold drafts, no unsightly ductwork and no floor vents.  Best of all, this type of heating is quieter and more energy-efficient compared to forced-air heat.    How does radiant heating work?  In a radiant floor heating system, warm water flows through tubes located underneath the floors. That warmth radiates up from the floors and warms everything it comes in contact with — including people. Radiant floor heating is compatible under any type of floor covering — carpet, wood, slate, tile, linoleum, and even concrete.     Benefits Of Radiant Floor Heating     Energy Efficient Heating- provide heating in a room from the floor up for consistent, efficient warmth. Radiant heat provides an average saving of 15% on heating bills thanks to the efficient way it warms a home.  Effortless to Run- Once installed, underfloor heating needs virtually no maintenance. You have the ability to set it and forget it with a programmable thermostat.   More Space & Design Freedom- With radiant floor heating, you’re able to enjoy your whole room without radiators on the walls.  Even the newest radiators take up a decent amount of space in homes; and with the new minimalist trends radiant floor heating is the new go to.   Works with all floor coverings- Underfloor heating gives you the freedom to design your home as you wish, making the most of all the wall and floor space.   Underfloor heating allows you to pick from a variety of different floor styles.  Safety and Comfort- When you have underfloor heating, you no longer need to worry about sharp edges or hot surfaces of radiators when younger family members are in the house. The heating system is safely tucked out of the way and won’t get too hot to the touch.  Safety and Comfort- Radiant heat is also much better for the air quality in a room since it keeps the air fresh and oxygen-rich. This also helps keep the circulation of dust to a minimum.   Ease of Installation- Underfloor heating is easy to install, especially...

By Jim Ellia on Sep 18, 2013 in Cleveland, Geothermal, Heating, Radiant Heating |

Are you looking for a more energy efficient way to heat your home this winter? Consider choosing a radiant heating or geothermal heating as an alternative heating option for your home. Radiant Heating Radiant heating, or floor heating, provides warmth in the home from underneath floors, inside walls and sometimes above ceilings.  Radiant heat is very different from the typical forced air in that it warms surfaces instead of blowing hot air out of vents. There are a few different types of radiant heating to choose from.  Hydronic systems spread water through plastic or metal tubing.  Electric systems use coils in tubing that are heated to the required temperature.  Air radiant systems force heated air through pipes under flooring. Radiant Heating is much more energy efficient than traditional forced-air heating, saving the planet as well as your energy bill by up to 20 percent.  Radiant systems also require much less cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Geothermal Heating It’s easy to tap into the earth to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.  That’s because the earth maintains a fairly constant temperature of 54 degrees about 10 feet below the surface of the ground. Tapping into the earth’s heat involves digging a hole to contain a loop of pipes.  This series of pipes is then filled with a heat absorbing fluid (often water and antifreeze) that constantly runs through the pipes.  In the winter, heat from the ground is absorbed into the pipes and pushed upward where it can be distributed throughout the house using what’s called a geothermal heat pump (GHP.)  During the summer months, the process is reversed.  Heat from the home is absorbed and transferred to the ground. It’s estimated that homeowners can save up to 70% off their heating and cooling costs compared to traditional heating systems.  Geothermal systems do not use oil or gas, and are 100% non-polluting to run. To learn more about if any of these systems are the right heating and cooling option for you, give us a call...

By Jim Ellia on Nov 8, 2012 in Cleveland, Heating, Radiant Heating, Residential |

Most of today’s home heating systems are run by one main forced-air furnace, usually located in a basement. But there are other heating options available.  Although radiant heating has been around for thousands of years, it’s growing in popularity thanks to the development of better plastics, pumps and fuels. If you’re evaluating whether radiant heat is best for you, it’s best to have the proper knowledge. Radiant heat (also known as floor heat) uses electrical systems or fluid flowing in pipes to heat the floor.  This warmth radiates from the floors and warms everything it comes into contact with – including people!  Fluid hydronic systems spread water through plastic or metal tubing.  Electric systems use coils in tubing that are heated to the required temperature. One major advantage of this is that heat is evenly distributed throughout the room. However, heat from a furnace goes straight to the ceiling while the floor remains cold (since heat rises.) That explains why you may be warm while watching TV or lying in bed, but when you get up you’ll be cold again.  Radiant heat eliminates these discrepancies in heat distribution. Radiant heat can also be emitted through the walls and even the ceiling. The heat coming from these surfaces is transferred evenly throughout the entire room so hot and cold spots are not an issue. Radiant heat will certainly make your Cleveland home more comfortable, but is it cost effective?  The short answer is yes!  While installation costs are higher than forced-air furnace installation, over time your monthly energy bills will be reduced.  Another advantage is that radiant heat systems are also relatively easy to maintain. While forced-air furnaces are the norm in the world of heating and cooling, radiant heating is definitely something that should be considered when buying, building or updating a home.  If you have questions about your specific project, give us a call directly at...

By Jim Ellia on Jul 19, 2012 in Heating, Radiant Heating, Residential |

Radiant heating, also known as floor heating, provides warmth in the home from underneath floors, inside walls and sometimes above ceilings.  Radiant heat is very different from the typical forced air in that it warms surfaces instead of blowing hot air out of vents.  The Romans were actually the first to use radiant heating centuries ago by forcing hot air under the floors of their homes and villas.  Thankfully, the technology has come a long way since then! There are a few different types of radiant heating to choose from.  Hydronic systems spread water through plastic or metal tubing.  Electric systems use coils in tubing that are heated to the required temperature.  Air radiant systems force heated air through pipes under flooring. Even though radiant heating sounds much more expensive, it is actually less than forced air systems in the long run.  It is much more energy efficient, saving the planet as well as your energy bill by up to 20 percent.  Radiant systems also require much less cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Those who suffer from allergies can find relief with radiant heating.  Forced air systems can circulate dust, dirt, and allergens while radiant heating uses no airflow.  Another advantage is the elimination of hot and cold spots throughout your home.  You will also no longer have to fear walking on cold wood or tile floors! If you’re considering radiant heating, give us a call directly to get any additional questions...