Home Energy Efficiency Information & Energy Audits

A Comfortable Concept In Energy Efficiency

Radiant Heat
An electrically generated heat source for individual rooms and areas, this technology employs radiant heat to warm the room and objects in the room. Individual heating units are mounted on the wall approximately 4” below the ceiling, allowing homeowner’s unrestricted use of floor space.

Radiant Heating Efficiency
These units are 100% efficient. They are mounted near the ceiling so that the radiant panels direct heat downward across the room, without being blocked by furniture and other objects. Radiant heat warms people directly, creating comfort conditions similar to that of the sun. It can be regulated by a wall-mounted thermostat and each room can be controlled independently, letting you maintain multiple temperature settings throughout your home.

Because radiant heat warms all objects in its path-walls, floors and even furniture absorb heat and provide a “heat reserve” which helps keep the room warm. In addition, a small amount of heat generated by the heating element is not radiated, but actually warms the surrounding air, wall, and ceiling surfaces, initiating a convection-type flow of heated air resulting in reduced heating cost.

Radiant Heating Design
An electric element in the heating unit warms and aluminum panels coated with a special vitreous enamel. This panel, in turn, radiates heat outward into the room – much like solar energy is radiated by the sun – providing exceptional levels of comfort.

Directed Heat Energy
Actually, heat energy does not rise – heated air rises. Heat energy can be directed, just like heat energy radiated by the sun’s rays. When you stand in the sun, you feel warmer. The same principle applies with radiant heating. Even with the thermostat lowered, radiant heat keeps you feeling warm.

Insulation Is Still Important
Like any type of heating system, radiant heaters work best when the home or building is properly insulated. Insulation is designed to keep heat in the desire area of your home or office. No matter how heat is generated, if it is lost due to poor insulation, additional heat must be generated to maintain desired temperature.

Flexibility In Design
There are several sizes and wattages of radiant heaters available which can be used in homes, apartments, offices, schools, medical facilities and more. Almost any enclosed area, properly designed and insulated, can benefit from a radiant heating installation.

No special ventilation, chimney or air distribution system (ductwork) is required, so installation is easier and less expensive. Plus, additions and remodeling projects are simplified since radiant heating is so versatile and easily adaptable.

Care must be taken not to direct radiant heaters at large window surfaces and un-covered concrete floors and walls, because these materials do not retain the heat energy.

Safety In Placement.
Radiant heating units, of course, must be installed properly, just like any other heating unit or appliance. Radiant heating units are installed on the wall near the ceiling, safely away from children or furnishings. These heaters’ are flameless. There are no fumes or soot generated, and no hazardous fuels are brought into your home or building.

If you have questions, contact your local dealer, power supplier or your local Nebraska Public Power District Office.