Radiant Technology Overview

Radiant heating is hardly a new technology. In fact, it's been around since ancient Greek and Roman times, possibly longer. Evidence of ancient piping systems are found among the ruins of some of the world's oldest civilizations.

Modern Innovation
Using modern polymer solutions, REHAU has perfected the application of first century discoveries to twenty-first century homes and buildings. We've taken the premise of this relatively simple technology and developed a modern system that circulates warm water through a network of polymer pipes placed in the floor, wall or ceiling. Heat gently radiates to warm surfaces, objects and air in the room, creating a comfortable environment.

What Makes Radiant Heating Ideal for Human Comfort?
Science shows that heat emission from the human body occurs mainly via three mechanisms: radiation, evaporation and convection. Humans feel most comfortable when they can regulate at least 50% of their heat emission via radiation, and when their feet are warmer than their heads.

Radiant heating systems provide heat on the basis of low heating surface temperatures over a large area and an even air temperature distribution with mild, comfortable radiated energy. In contrast to conventional forced-air systems, a radiative equillibrium is generated between people and the surfaces throughout the room, more closely achieving the optimum thermal comfort level for occupants.

Step onto a floor with REHAU radiant heating and experience comfort at its best. Heat is gently radiated through the space virtually eliminating cold spots and temperature fluctuations. Radiant heating is quiet, clean and economical, and works with a variety of heat sources and floor coverings. Other benefits include:

Increased Comfort
A radiant heating system keeps floors warm and dry, making hard surface flooring more comfortable.

Energy Efficient
Because of its exceptional comfort at relatively low operating temperatures, radiant heating is very energy efficient. Optimizing the radiant panel design using strategies such as room-by-room zoning can add to your energy savings. Radiant heating can be the primary heat source or serve in combination with auxiliary heating systems, and can be installed almost anywhere heat is needed.

Enhanced Control
It’s easy to zone a radiant heating system using multiple thermostats. This allows you to adjust temperatures in a single room or a group of rooms, based on activity and usage levels.

Flexibility
Radiant heating can be used in floors, walls and ceilings and can be installed in a single room or throughout your home or building. There are no heaters, radiators or vents, so you'll have more design freedom and open space. Radiant heating is ideal for open floor plans, especially in areas with high ceilings.

Improved Energy Efficiency
Radiant heating allows a thermostat to be set up to 4ºF (2ºC) degrees lower than with a traditional hot air system without sacrificing comfort. Lower operating temperatures reduce fuel consumption, which can save up to 30% per year in heating expenses. And since radiant heating can be used with a variety of heat sources including geothermal heat pumps, solar collection systems and condensing boiler technology, you can achieve even further savings.

No matter what kind of space you need to heat, there's a radiant heating design that will work for you. REHAU radiant heating is compatible with a variety of floor coverings, including hardwood, carpet, vinyl, ceramic, tile and natural stone.