Although I’ve worked with hydronic heating for four decades and designed systems around just about every possible heat source, I would be hard-pressed to predict what might be available as hydronic heat sources 25 years from now.
I have heating (plumbing, fire suppression, etc.) shops in New York and New Jersey. This is very much steam country, and we repair and replace steam boilers and systems all week long and have been for decades. All that is fine, but what I find incredibly odd is the polarized perception of the automatic water feeder.
Water-to-water heat pumps, supplied from geothermal earth loops, represent a growing sector of the hydronic heat source market. Most current-generation models can produce water temperatures up to about 125° F, perhaps a little higher if you’re willing to push the compressor operating envelope.
I’ve written it before and I’ll write it again — panel radiators are one of my favorite hydronic heat emitters. I base this sentiment on several benefits. Here are a few to consider…
Heating experts have long touted hydronics as the far superior comfort technology over forced air due to better operational efficiencies and improved comfort. According to Research and Markets, the global hydronic systems market is poised to grow $1.3 billion from 2021-2025, driven by the growing need for energy-efficient cooling and heating systems and increase in construction activities worldwide.
Adey’s MagnaClean CMX range of filters not only protects system equipment, but also reduces maintenance costs and hours, improves heat transfer, heat output and efficiency, saves energy, lowers clients’ utility bills, and reduces carbon emissions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re constructing your single-family dream house or designing and building a large commercial piece of real estate — there are so many decisions that need to be made. The decisions will have important implications as to the cost, sustainability, life and comfort of the people living or working in the facility. It is vital that you choose wisely.