Radiant Systems Drive Energy Efficiency and Savings
Radiant systems are going through a boom as a driver of energy efficiency, savings and comfort, says the Technical Committee of FEGECA, the Association of Manufacturers of Generators and Heat Emitters. Find out what factors are behind the trend.
The boom in radiant systems is due to several factors. The main one is undoubtedly the excellent user ratings for comfort and savings, says FEGECA’s Technical Committee. “In just a few years, we’ve seen radiant systems (mostly underfloor heating) go from being a solution only for new single-family homes to being the most widely-used solution in high-rise housing and also for refitting existing homes.”
From a technical point of view, “radiant systems are the most cost-effective heat emitter for efficient generators because they can operate at low temperatures: 30-40°C in winter and 15°C in summer.” Also, “a high-efficiency (low temperature) boiler or an aerothermal system considerably improves its performance and efficiency when working with a radiant solution.”
Combination of Systems
Finally, reducing energy demand and thermal load, as required by the current CTE (Technical Building Code), “make it technically possible and economically feasible that in most buildings the combination of radiant systems and controlled mechanical ventilation is sufficient to meet the heat requirements throughout the year. So there’s no need for air conditioning equipment.”
Therefore, FEGECA concludes that “radiant systems are the driver and also the key (for their compatibility and contribution to the efficiency of renewable energy sources) for better energy efficiency, savings and comfort, in both new and existing premises.”