Radiant heating panels use infrared technology to heat the entire room in which they are installed rather than just one part of the room like a normal radiator would.

Whilst the technology was originally developed back in the 70s, due to technological improvements in recent years, it is now possible to harness and deploy radiant heating so effectively that it can now function as a complete replacement for traditional heating systems. 

It really is fascinating stuff. So, please grab yourself a receptacle of your favourite refreshment and join us by the radiant heat panel for a cozy look at everything you need to know.

What is Radiant Heat?

Radiant heat is more commonly referred to as thermal heat and is a type of electromagnetic radiation that transfers heat through the manipulation of protons which produces energy*. 

*Don’t worry, that’s as “sciency” as we’re going to get!

Radiant heat is nothing new. You’ve probably heard of one particular radiant heating system already… it’s called the Sun. 

If you stand outside on a cold day, you can still feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. This is because the transfer of infrared heat does not require a medium through which to travel and therefore is not affected by the cold temperature of the air.

This is a vital component of why radiant heating systems are superior to traditional, convection heating systems, which we’ll address shortly. However, before that let’s take a look at how radiant heaters work.

How do Radiant Heaters Work?

Radiant heaters work by converting energy into infrared waves which then radiate throughout the room in all directions, heating every surface and object in the room simultaneously.

Effectively radiant heaters turn your entire room into a 360° radiator. 

Radiant Vs Convection

Alright, so let’s unpack this a little further. Traditional heating systems that use boilers and radiators are convection heaters. 

Convection heaters function by heating the air in the room, which is inefficient for many reasons. 

1. Cons of Convection Heaters

Firstly, if the air in the room is already cold, then more energy is required to heat the room to your desired temperature. And the colder the air in the room, the greater the amount of energy that will be required to reach the same target temperature. 

2. Cons of Convection Heaters 

Secondly, everyone knows that heat rises. This means that with normal convection heating systems, the heat is sent out from the radiator and much of it immediately rises and starts heating the ceiling. 

By the time this heat has circulated around the room, it has lost a significant amount of energy, which again means you are going to have to keep heating the room longer to reach and maintain your target temperature.

Advantages of radiant heat panels 

Radiant heat panels offer many advantages over other heating systems. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on hot air to distribute heat, radiant heat panels use infrared radiation to warm up surfaces in the room, including people. This means that the temperature of the air in the room doesn’t affect how efficiently radiant heat panels work. As a result, they require less energy to reach your desired temperature, making them a more cost-effective and energy-efficient option.

Another benefit of radiant heat panels is that they heat every object in the room, including you. As a result, the room will stay warmer for longer without requiring additional energy. This is because radiant heat doesn’t rise like hot air; instead, it moves directly from the panels to the objects and surfaces in the room. Moreover, radiant heat panels don’t lose energy to environmental conditions, which means that no energy is wasted or lost.

In addition to being energy-efficient and effective, radiant heat panels are also aesthetically pleasing. They can be installed on walls or ceilings, freeing up floor space and creating a clean and unobtrusive look. They are also virtually silent, which means that they won’t disrupt the peace and quiet of your home.

Additional benefits of radiant heat panels

Radiant heating helps maintain you and your home

Radiant heating is an efficient way to keep your home comfortable while also providing several benefits. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on blowing hot air, radiant heating uses infrared radiation to warm up the surrounding surfaces, which then radiate heat back into the room. This type of heating not only feels more comfortable but can also help maintain your home’s overall health and appearance.

One major advantage of radiant heating is that it doesn’t rely on air movement to distribute heat, which can help reduce the risk of dampness and mold in your home. Dampness and mold can be problematic for many reasons, including their potential impact on respiratory health. Radiant heat can, therefore, be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from asthma or other bronchial conditions, as it doesn’t contribute to airborne irritants that can exacerbate these conditions.

In addition to its health benefits, radiant heating can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Radiant heat panels can be installed directly on the walls or ceilings, which not only saves valuable floor space but also creates a clean, streamlined look. Unlike bulky radiators or noisy forced-air systems, radiant heat panels are virtually silent and unobtrusive, allowing you to enjoy your home’s beauty without distraction.

Heat as Art

Normal radiators are intrusive, taking up a significant amount of space, and even bespoke, modern radiators tend to stand out in a room like a gorilla in a tuxedo at a cocktail party.

Radiant panel heaters, on the other hand, are designed to be unobtrusive and enhance the room’s aesthetic, rather than diminish it. 

You can even customise your radiant heat panels with any image or design you want making them incredibly versatile when it comes to designing the look of your home or office.

There are currently two types of customisable radiant panel heaters available:  Radiant Heat Wall Panels and Radiant Heat Ceiling Panels.

Key Takeaways

It’s time to recap the key points to understand about radiant heat panels:

• They are more sustainable than traditional heating systems
• They are more conducive to achieving a 100% net zero home or office
• They are more efficient and cheaper to run
• They are more comfortable and better for your health
• They improve the look and design of your home or office

Conclusion

So, that as they say, is that.  We hope that this information proves useful as you consider radiant heating for your own home. 

If you would like any further details or information on radiant heating panels then please take a look at this article.  Stay safe, and stay warm!