We all want the most energy efficient, low cost heating system available for our homes. And we know that radiant heat is more efficient than hot air heat. But do we know why?
First we need to understand the differences between hot air and radiant heating. Hot air heating occurs when hot water or gasses transfer heat to a large surface area (furnace/coil or finned element) and cool dense air passes over the area, therefore absorbing some of the heat. Radiant heating heats objects, such as your furniture, walls or ceiling — any solid object that the radiant surface “sees.” So what. So what?! Radiant heat controls the rate at which you lose your own heat. Convection simply replaces a building’s heat loss.