Ceiling Radiant Heaters -
You may be familiar with radiant heat, but ceiling radiant heaters are unique systems. It is a radiant heating system where it is the ceiling panels that are heated to warm the room, instead of, say, the floor. Usually the heating connection is electrical rather than water-based, obviously for weight considerations. Not many ceilings can bear the weight of several kilograms of water for a long time.
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How the ceiling radiant heat system works
In essence, a typical radiant ceiling heating system consists of ceiling panels with embedded special electrical wirings. These wirings when connected to the household electricity produce heat due to resistance, enough to radiate heat to the surrounding space.
The concept is so simple any handyman father can install them on a do-it-yourself basis, saving the cost of a professional installer. However, since it deals with electrical connection, it is still advisable to use a professional when there are doubts on the abilities of the handyman to install the radiant ceiling heating panels.
How a radiant heating system is made
In many instances, ceiling radiant heaters are panels that consist of an insulated fiberglass board with heating elements within, the electric wires, and textured surface to make it look like ordinary ceiling panels. The panels are usually one inch in thickness, one foot by two feet, two feet by four feet, or four feet by eight feet in size, and produce heat up to 170° Fahrenheit. Each panel is independently connected to the household circuit, either 120 or 240 volts, and functions as a separate heater so that if one malfunctions, the others are not affected and continues to generate the necessary warmth in the room.
In some cases, in lieu of the electrical wires, plastic tubes are used where hot water is circulated to radiate heat. The principle and functionality are the same.
How ceiling radiant heaters benefits you
The greatest benefit radiant ceiling heating systems offer is energy savings. Radiant ceiling heating systems powered by electricity are quick to heat up, and thus may be turned off or on depending on the heating needs of individual rooms or spaces. It can heat up a room to 150° F in about five minutes. In short, a room may be heated right before it is needed, and not all the time. This capability can save as much as 20% on the monthly household electric bill.
Furthermore, since the ceiling radiant heaters warm space by radiation, the room and the people within it are warmed directly, much like by the sun’s rays. This warmth is not dissipated easily unlike forced-air HVAC system where a single open window can negate a whole day of heating effort for the whole house. On top of that, each room’s circuitry may be connected to a thermostat instead of to an on-off switch, so temperatures may be regulated more precisely.
The second benefit is low maintenance. Since the connections are simple, the system is inert (there are no moving parts), does not rust or corrode, is affected very little by temperature changes, and simple in its basic operational concept that it requires only system inspection every now and then. It is forgettable, even.
Next, radiant ceiling heating systems are long lasting. The fiberglass panels are not affected by outside factors, not even chemicals or airborne poisonous substances. They do not corrode and are virtually indestructible. So despite the higher initial investment, great savings are realized in the long run from less energy requirements and the lengthy useful life of the radiant ceiling heating system.
Finally, there is the less clutter in the house. No unsightly radiators that clunk and gurgle, running pipes which detract from the beauty of the walls, no tanks in the basement, vents in the walls, or hot ducts that are dangerous to children and the infirm. Likewise, no unwanted gases (like nitrogen dioxide) are emitted, or room atmosphere oxygen used up like in gas heaters or furnaces. This last can be important when the house is isolated due to snow. And last, radiant ceiling heating systems do not dry up the room’s ambient atmosphere.
Given all the above, wouldn’t you think radiant ceiling heating systems are the heating systems for your home? Check it out at your nearest radiant ceiling heating systems provider. They will be most glad to satisfy your curiosity (at least) and genuine interest.
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