Heating
System Comparison
|
|
Efficiency
|
Electric Radiant Heat System
|
Forced Air and Gas Heating System
|
|
Efficiency at
100% of capacity
|
100%
|
60-90%
|
|
Efficiency at
50% of capacity
|
100%
|
30-60%
|
|
Efficient -
relative thermal
|
100%
|
50-75%
|
100% of
energy is delivered to
the
heating element
|
YES
|
NO
|
Proper sized
capacity of "Off Peak" conditions
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Maintenance
|
Electric Radiant Heat System
|
Forced Air and Gas Heating System
|
Annual
Maintenance Required - Clean or change filters
|
NO
|
YES
|
|
Easy to repair
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Controls -
simple and reliable
|
YES
|
VARIES
|
|
Cost Savings
|
Electric Radiant Heat System
|
Forced Air and Gas Heating System
|
|
Expandable -
easily and economically
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Compatible
with all Floor Coverings
|
YES
|
YES
|
|
Floor space
required for installation (mechanical room)
|
NO
|
YES
|
|
Decorating
limitations for furnishings, wall
coverings, etc. (no registers,
grills, radiators)
|
NO
|
YES
|
|
Simple
Installation and Operation
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Structural
building cost increases required to accommodate
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Venting
required to outside and combustion air required
|
NO
|
YES
|
|
Concrete
required - regular or lightweight
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Remodeling
|
Electric Radiant Heat System
|
Hydronic Radiant Heat System
|
|
Retrofit-ability
in existing concrete or asphalt
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Retrofit into
joist space effectively
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Simple
modification for remodeling
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Easy and
effective for large or small areas
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Minimal floor
section height increase (1/8" or less)
|
YES
|
YES
|
|
Health and Safety
|
Electric Radiant Heat System
|
Hydronic Radiant Heat System
|
|
Health &
Medical (doesn't distribute dust,
pollen, allergens through the air)
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Environmentally-friendly
(greenhouse, glycol, etc.)
|
YES
|
NO
|
Safety (no
high-voltage, no hot surfaces, no
combustible gases)
|
YES
|
NO
|
