Radiant
Flooring
As early as 60 A.D. the Romans had discovered
that the best way to heat an enclosed
space is to introduce heat below the floor surface and let it radiate
upward to the
structure. The concept remains just as true today. This simple and
effective heating method is called
radiant floor. In Western Europe over 50% of all new construction
uses radiant floor heating
systems. Radiant floor is efficient for many
reasons. The low temperature system can be
controlled on a room-by-room basis. Energy is spent only when and
where it is needed.
Strategically placed thermostats recognize the smallest deviations
in temperature and
react promptly. The most attractive feature of radiant floor heat
is the comfort. Even
floors on concrete slabs can be comfortable.
The human body experiences heat loss just as
any other structure does.
The human body's first priority is to maintain central body core
temperature. Then the blood
is sent to the bodies extremities. Since the feet are the furthest
from the central body
core, they are the last to get heat and the first to recognize the
discomfort of a cold environment.
Because radiant floor directly addresses the heat loss of the human
body through conduction,
people are typically comfortable at a lower thermostat setting around
65 degrees F. This is another
reason why radiant floors are so energy efficient and makes people
feel more comfortable.
|
