What is radiant temperature? One way to think about radiant temperature is to think about stepping into a car on a hot summer day. The heat from the dash board and steering wheel can be hot to the touch and unbearable. The heat can linger for minutes until the cars air conditioner cools the cabin. In your home the fire place is often a form of radiant heat. In the days before electricity, the warmth from a fire could mean the difference between life and death during a harsh winter. Today many use space heaters as a form of radiant heat in the home.
There are many others things that we don’t consider that also can give off radiant heat that can also make your electric bills go up and your room temperature not as comfortable. Many large electronics like computers, television’s, DVD players, surround sound systems give off radiant heat when in use and many times even when they are on stand-by. The only way to stop this radiant heat from being a factor in your home is by powering off your electronics or plugging them into power strips that can be shut off. Other sources of radiant heat are clothes dryers, ovens, windows, and water heaters to name a few. Even humans are sources of radiant heat.
All of these aspects make a difference on the comfort of people within their homes. While radiant temperature can be a great source during the winter; radiant heat during the summer time is something most like to avoid. This article will discuss some ways to cut down on radiant heat that may be wanted and unwanted. Your air conditioner will be forced to work extra to cool your home.
Unwanted Radiant Heat
Your home windows are one the greatest sources of radiant temperature entering the home. There are many ways to help control this unwanted heat however. The lowest cost changes that you can make are to the exterior or interior of your windows. Awnings or overhangs can block the sun and deflect its source of radiant heat. On the interior, curtains that block the sun can also help cut out the unwanted heat. Windows that face south and west will allow the most heat into your home so try to have these windows covered. Also trees that are planted outside is a great way to add value to your property while also blocking out the sun.
Making sure your attic is properly insulated will help keep the heat from the roof from entering the home. Also check that your water heating is properly insulated as well. Most newer water heaters are properly insulated but if you own an older one it is worth checking.
When Radiant Heat is Good
As noted before, space heaters and fire places are a great source of radiant heat. Another source that is becoming more mainstream is radiant floors. Radiant flooring involves embedding tubing into your floor slab in a pattern that is much like an old radiator in a home. This tubing is then covered with floor tile or other flooring. A solution of oil or other substance is feed thru a boiler or heater and then sent through the system to heat your floors. This method is one of the most efficient ways to heat a home, saving anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of your home heating bill. It is also a very low maintenance method of heating and requires very little upkeep. And best of all, it helps to avoid cold feet on those harsh winter days! Speak with your local HVAC provider to learn more about how radiant heat can be used in the home.
About the Author
Michelle Patterson is an HVAC technician who lives in Lewisburg PA. She loves writing blogs on Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning topics. She started blogging as a way to share her innovative ideas with people or companies involved in the HVAC industry.