Radiant ceiling heat is one of the most effective ways to heat up interior spaces like homes, apartment complexes, schools, malls, and other buildings. This technology uses a solid source located under the ceiling to radiate heat all over the room.
One important question is, how efficient is this heating method? Can radiant ceiling heat help you in cost savings or will it end up adding to your electricity bill?
Radiant ceiling heat is not just effective, it is also one of the most energy efficient ways to heat up any space. In fact, with proper use, you could easily save up to 20% of your costs on electricity.
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What is Radiant Heat In The Ceiling?
Radiant ceiling heating relies on pipes or wires installed in ceiling panels to transmit heat using either water or electricity. The radiant panels then generate the heat throughout the room. The system uses infrared radiation to deliver the heat from the panels to the room and its occupants.
As there is no forced-air used, the air does not become dry with radiant heating. The air isn’t directly heated so there are no chances of dust being blown around. This means you don’t have to worry about breathing issues or allergies. Radiant ceiling heat is also considered very safe and not a great fire hazard if everything has been installed and maintained by a trained professional.
Is Radiant Ceiling Heat Efficient?
Radiant ceiling heat works by heating up the room from the ceiling i.e. the top, to the bottom. It warms up the room in the way the sun heats the earth, with a naturally cozy sensation.
This method has turned out to be quite efficient because you can achieve a warm room temperature with a much lower thermostat as compared to conventional radiators.
With the temperature set to as low as 97°F, you can conveniently heat up the room. This is one main reason why radiant ceiling heat is considered efficient. It uses less energy and provides ample warmth and can help you save money.
It may seem like the perfect system, but like everything, radiant heat can have problems that you need to be aware of too.
Is Radiant Ceiling Heat Expensive?
Radiant ceiling heating systems can be expensive when it comes to initial installation costs.
If you opt for electric heat, then radiant ceiling heat can also be more costly to operate. After all, electricity is an expensive fuel regardless of the heating option you choose.
Alternatively, you can opt for a hydronic system that relies on hot water running through the pipes to heat up the radiant panels. This is the more popular choice among the two and it is also more cost-effective, but there are pros and cons to both types of system.
The final cost of running the hydronic system will depend on the fuel that fires up the boiler. This can be gas, oil, wood, solar or a combination of different sources. However, this heating method usually helps save electricity and can benefit those living in areas with high electricity prices.
A benefit to radiant ceiling heat however is that is requires little maintenance, so less expense it required for upkeep. Once it’s installed, it’s pretty cheap to maintain and doesn’t often require many repairs.
Radiant Ceiling Heat Costs
The average price of setting up the radiant heating panels ranges from $200 to $500. However, you can set up different thermostats for different zones or rooms. This allows you to lower the thermostat in certain areas of the house and save up on overall energy costs.
When it comes to the cost of radiant heating, there are significant savings on maintenance and upkeep. As there are no vents or exposed components, the system is usually hassle-free and does not require regular cleaning or checking. You can also get savings on utility bills by setting the temperature at a pre-determined level.
The cost of running an electric radiant ceiling heat system will depend largely on your local electricity rates. In the case of hydronic panels, the cost of the fuel you use will determine your routine costs.
As the radiant panels provide immediate heating at a lower thermostat, you can save up up to 20% in energy costs if you use the system sensibly.
Radiant Ceiling Heat Monthly Cost
Although radiant ceiling heating can be expensive to install, it can actually be more economical than forced-air systems when it comes to monthly costs. The actual cost of installation and operation will vary according to the size of your space.
According to rough estimates, radiant ceiling heat can cost around $50, depending on how much you use it as well as the square footage. The bigger your room is and the longer running time, the more expensive the system will be.
How Can You Save More With Radiant Ceiling Heat?
There is one way you can save an additional 10 to 20 percent on energy costs each month.
You can opt for a radiant ceiling heating system with highly conducive panels. The more conducive the radiant panel is, the less amount of work is required by the boiler.
Look for panels that transfer heat effectively even if they have a higher initial cost. In this way, you will get month-to-month operational savings that can add up in the long term.
Another money saving trick is to install ceiling fans – they can help distribute warm air throughout your room. Take a look at the best ceiling fan brand here.
