Radiant Comfort Report The biannual Radiant Comfort Report highlights the latest technology, products and training for radiant heating/cooling professionals.

Winter 2024 Edition | Spring 2025 Edition

]]> https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2751 en-us Massive snow melt system provides safety for state park kevin.hale@rehau.com (Kevin Hale) In a hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) system, warm water/glycol circulates through pipes embedded in concrete slabs to melt snow and ice above. With sensors, the system automatically activates based on temperature and moisture, effectively melting snow on contact by evaporating it or directing water to drains.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106705 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106705-massive-snow-melt-system-provides-safety-for-state-park Best Practices for performance, comfort and longevity As radiant heating and cooling systems continue to grow in popularity for their superior comfort, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, the importance of proper system installation cannot be overstated. A poorly installed system—no matter how advanced its components—can fall short of expectations, leading to hot and cold spots, energy waste, or costly callbacks.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106702 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106702-best-practices-for-performance-comfort-and-longevity Radiant Professionals Alliance educating the industry The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) provides superior comprehensive educational activities and innovative product awareness. This was evident at the 2025 AHR conference held in Orlando Florida. The RPA hosted eight sessions providing education to professionals and students. From the eight sessions, I would like to highlight five that deal with industry patterns, installation practices and innovative design.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106689 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106689-radiant-professionals-alliance-educating-the-industry Geothermal and radiant: An energy-efficient powerhouse kim.bliss@uponor.com (Kim Bliss) Radiant heating and cooling systems integrated with geothermal ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer an energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable approach to indoor climate control. This combined system leverages the stable temperatures of the Earth to provide heating and cooling through radiant surfaces, most commonly on floors but also on walls or ceilings.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106687 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106687-geothermal-and-radiant-an-energy-efficient-powerhouse Thermal energy networks and the future of radiant As the building industry shifts to electrification, decarbonization, and high-efficiency infrastructure, radiant heating and cooling professionals lead the change. At this year’s AHR Expo in Orlando, FL, Greg Cunniff of Egg Geo presented 'Future of BEST – Net the Energy with Community Thermal Energy Networks'.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106674 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106674-thermal-energy-networks-and-the-future-of-radiant Redefining the circulator pump industry through efficiency improvements Advancements in the plumbing industry are driven by U.S. Department of Energy regulations, with new efficiency standards for fractional horsepower pumps set for 2028. Plumbing & Mechanical's Nicole Krawcke discussed these changes and performance improvements with Becky Henderson from Grundfos Pumps.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106284 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106284-redefining-the-circulator-pump-industry-through-efficiency-improvements 193 radiant heating zones deliver efficient comfort for new school Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine, utilizes an efficient radiant floor heating system designed by Harriman Associates, using lower temperature water and primarily geothermal energy for a comfortable, sun-like warmth.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106282 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106282-193-radiant-heating-zones-deliver-efficient-comfort-for-new-school A new generation of Thermal Energy Networks The 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code's Chapter 17 introduces Thermal Energy Networks (TEN), enabling buildings to independently manage heating and cooling sustainably, reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency across communities.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106268 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106268-a-new-generation-of-thermal-energy-networks Making a splash in winter with radiant heat brooke.roberts@uponor.com (Brooke Roberts) In Ottawa, a homeowner's dream of a luxury clubhouse with an outdoor pool comes to life with True North Mechanical's innovative heating system, ensuring a perfect New Year’s Eve party despite the freezing temperatures.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106247 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106247-making-a-splash-in-winter-with-radiant-heat RPA Technical Liaison Report: The Alliance is back! john.mullen@iapmo.org (John Mullen) The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) is enhancing energy efficiency through innovative hydronic systems under new leadership, focusing on collaboration, education, and strategic partnerships.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106243 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106243-rpa-technical-liaison-report-the-alliance-is-back What’s new with the Radiant Professionals Alliance? The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) enhances the radiant industry through education, advocacy, and member support. It offers training, networking, and updates like a new website and geothermal partnerships. Members can participate in committees and events such as the 2025 AHR Expo.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106236 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106236-whats-new-with-the-radiant-professionals-alliance Holland Michigan's 35-year-old snow-melt system makes it a year-round destination In 1988, Holland, Michigan’s downtown needed revitalization. Merchants were leaving for a nearby indoor mall. Local industrialist Ed Prince proposed installing a snow-melt system for the streets and sidewalks after seeing a similar system in Europe.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105527 Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105527-holland-michigans-35-year-old-snow-melt-system-makes-it-a-year-round-destination Protecting what matters most in your radiant system — the water Boiler systems are essential for residential heating and hot water. Their efficiency and longevity depend on good water quality. Poor water quality causes corrosion, scale buildup, and higher costs. Maintaining high water quality ensures smooth operation and durability.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105518 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105518-protecting-what-matters-most-in-your-radiant-system-the-water Martha's Vineyard mechanical contractor incorporates radiant heating into his own Net Zero strategy Matt Millard, owner of Performance Mechanical in Edgartown, Massachusetts, loves to experiment with new technologies. Recently, Millard wanted to step up to hydronic radiant heating for his own home addition using an air-to-water heat pump.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105512 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105512-marthas-vineyard-mechanical-contractor-incorporates-radiant-heating-into-his-own-net-zero-strategy Thermal Energy Networks for HVAC&W Circulating ground-temperature water in a Thermal Energy Network (TEN) provides efficient heating and cooling, reducing costs and mitigating climate change through decarbonization. The water must be kept within a specific temperature range, known as the performance zone.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105504 Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105504-thermal-energy-networks-for-hvac-and-w How radiant heating and cooling can help achieve decarbonization goals hailey.mick@uponor.com (Hailey Mick) In a radiant heating and cooling system, water circulates through PEX pipes in the concrete slab to control the slab's temperature for heating or cooling.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105496 Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105496-how-radiant-heating-and-cooling-can-help-achieve-decarbonization-goals Ecowarm announces insulated radiant floor panels Ecowarm RadiantBoard EPS Premium Ply Panels are integrated with EPS foam and available in standard R-2.7 or R-5.6 models for use over concrete and over under-insulated subfloors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105476 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105476-ecowarm-announces-insulated-radiant-floor-panels Uponor announces multizone wireless control system for radiant heating and cooling Smatrix Pulse is the industry’s first multizone wireless control system for both radiant heating as well as forced-air heating and cooling.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105472 Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105472-uponor-announces-multizone-wireless-control-system-for-radiant-heating-and-cooling MrPEX announces radiant foam panels Save time and money with easy-to-install panels that seamlessly integrate into any radiant flooring system.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105470 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105470-mrpex-announces-radiant-foam-panels Advancing the radiant and hydronics industry In 2024, the RPA held educational sessions at the ASHRAE/AHR Expo in Chicago, welcoming new members and setting goals to advance the radiant and hydronics industry.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105469 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105469-advancing-the-radiant-and-hydronics-industry Contractor gains multiple benefits installing radiant in his own home brooke.roberts@uponor.com (Brooke Roberts) When Jason Gaspard, owner and project manager at Select Mechanical Services, was looking to finish the basement of his Maple Grove, Minnesota-based home, he knew he wanted radiant heating in the space.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105214 Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105214-contractor-gains-multiple-benefits-installing-radiant-in-his-own-home Viega releases Hydronic Mixing Block mixing device and boiler control Viega’s Hydronic Mixing Block is a mixing device and boiler control with a built-in circulator and microcontroller.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105206 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105206-viega-releases-hydronic-mixing-block-mixing-device-and-boiler-control New Hampshire home turns to hydronics A home in New Hampshire offers a glimpse of how the landscape might be changing within the next decade.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105201 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105201-new-hampshire-home-turns-to-hydronics NextGen Boiler announces electric boiler The NextGen Boiler is a hydronic appliance that when installed, allows the homeowner to have peace of mind about their radiant heat applications.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105200 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105200-nextgen-boiler-announces-electric-boiler MrPEX announces Integrated Dynamic Control system MrPEX’s Integrated Dynamic Control (IDC) is a PC-based intelligent control system which delivers optimized comfort and maximized efficiency.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105199 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105199-mrpex-announces-integrated-dynamic-control-system A radiant revolution: Innovations illuminating the future of hydronics john.mullen@iapmo.org (John Mullen) Within the halls of our recent meetings, the RPA community witnessed a defining moment. Committees were not just formed; they were crafted as engines of change.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105197 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105197-a-radiant-revolution-innovations-illuminating-the-future-of-hydronics The underground movement toward radiant cooling and future-proof building Radiant heating and cooling systems are not new to the North American market, but there’s a strong trend toward incorporating both, especially for tightly controlled environments such as commercial spaces.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105186 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105186-the-underground-movement-toward-radiant-cooling-and-future-proof-building There has never been a better time to join the RPA There has never been a better time to be part of the RPA. If you are not a member, you should join.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105172 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105172-there-has-never-been-a-better-time-to-join-the-rpa Steering clear of snow The first snowflakes hit the ground in Park City, Utah, in late October, before a single peanut butter cup hit the bottom of the Halloween bag. The first snow of the 2022 season dumped 10 inches of fresh powder on the town on Oct. 23, giving skiers and winter sports enthusiasts an early start to their activities.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104920 Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104920-steering-clear-of-snow The USHGC: Putting the pieces together The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) includes provisions for alternative energy sources for the transfer of energy in a hydronic system for space heating and cooling, or for other purposes such as snow and ice melting.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104911 Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104911-the-ushgc-putting-the-pieces-together