How Does Hydronic Heating Work

Heat Load Calculators for Hydronic Heating Radiators

Hydronic Heating is the Smart Home Heating Choice

Two thirds of the world use water based Hydronic Heating systems to warm their homes in winter. There is good reason for this. Hydronic Heating is the cleanest, most efficient form of home heating available. Radiant heat with quick response times, lowest emissions (Co, NoX), the most cost and energy efficient home heating system on the market.

At HydroHeat we focus on only on importing the highest quality products to the Australian market, sourcing from our partner suppliers in Europe which is the home of hydronic heating.

Heat Load Calculators for Hydronic Heating Radiators

The Worlds Most Efficient Heating System

Hydronic heating is beautiful in its simplicity. The hydronic system simply heats water and moves it through sealed pipes to radiators throughout the home. The sealed system can also be used to heat towel rails, floor slabs, even swimming pools, anywhere where it is needed. Hydronic Heating heats water at its source via super energy efficient Gas Boilers. Once used the water is returned to be reheated via a recirculating system. This ‘heating’ system is separate to the homes domestic hot water supply. Panel radiators operate as ‘Heat Emitters’ in each room, pushing out natural radiant heat which spreads evenly. The radiators can be individually adjusted to provide ultimate comfort in each room, living areas can be warmer than bedrooms. Unlike air forced central heating systems there are no airborne particles, providing a totally dust free and allergen free form of heating making it ideal for medical conditions such as Asthma.

How does hydronic heating work, hydronic heating systems

Additional Benefits to a Hydronic Heating System

Modern hydronics technology enables heat to be delivered precisely when and where it is needed. Multiple system configurations are possible, each capable of meeting the exact comfort requirements of its owner. Some may be as simple as a tank-type water heater connected to a loop of flexible plastic tubing for warming a bathroom floor. Others may use two or more boilers operated in stages, releasing their heat through an assortment of heat emitters. The same boiler(s) may also provide the building’s domestic hot water. They might even heat the swimming pool, or melt snow as it falls on the driveway. Well-designed and properly installed hydronic systems provide unsurpassed comfort and fuel efficiency for the life of the building. Hydronic systems that transfer the majority of their heat by thermal radiation reduce air temperature stratification, and thus reduce heat loss through ceilings. Comfort can often be maintained at lower air temperatures when a space is radiantly heated. This leads to further energy savings. Zoned hydronic systems provide the potential for unoccupied rooms to be kept at lower temperatures, which also lowers heat loss and reduces fuel consumption.

How Underfloor Heating Works

What About Hydrogen Powered Heating?

It’s not yet possible to buy a Hydrogen powered boiler. However, as the future approaches, the BAXI Duo-Tec E condensing boiler is ‘Hydrogen Capable’ and can blend 20% hydrogen into the natural gas mix to substantially reduce carbon emissions. A hydrogen blend is when hydrogen is added to the current gas supply creating a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen. This blend can use existing infrastructure and pipelines, meaning no major upgrades or changes are required by homeowners, supporting flexibility across the grid. As well as being a clean liquid fuel for use in heating, when hydrogen is burned it produces only water and heat with no carbon emissions.

Even when used as a combination of natural gas and hydrogen, carbon emissions are significantly reduced. Hydrogen is a highly efficient fuel and contains a lot of energy; just 1kg of hydrogen contains the same amount of energy as 2.8kg of gasoline. As the future draws nearer BAXI and HydroHeat are at the forefront of innovation and are ready.

Hydrogen Hydronic Heating Boilers

Why Choose Hydronic Heating?

As you can see, there’s a wide range of benefits to using hydronic heating in domestic and commercial developments. They are totally dust free, allergen free making it a great solution for homes, healthcare and office spaces alike. As well as being a healthier option, it’s highly efficient and cost effective over the lifetime of the heating systemis a highly efficient Dust Free, Allergen Free Heating, Pure Efficiency, Pure Simplicity. Here’s an overview of why we and our clients love hydronic heating:

  • The Green, ECO-Friendly Choice: Hydronic Heating is a natural heating alternative utilising water and natural gas. Energy use can be up to 70% less than other methods such as electricity dependent reverse cycle systems.The system is sealed with minimal emissions.
  • Clean & Healthy: Hydronic heating provides warmth in the same way nature does by natural convection and radiation. It does not dry out the air by burning or causing unpleasant draughts, nor does it create humidity, hot spots or noise. It is a totally dust free, allergen free form of heating making it ideal for medical conditions such as asthma.
  • Safe: Hydronic Heating is completely sealed, with no exposed flames or electrical connections for fire hazards. The water temperature circulates in a hydronic heating system at an adjustable temperature to determine optimum comfort levels in individual rooms.
  • Reliable: The sealed Hydronic System contains very few moving parts. If quality components are used, and expert installation is undertaken the system should remain maintenance free for years as there is very little to go wrong. It is set and forget other than temperature adjustment. The boiler is a gas appliance and we recommend annual service to ensure ongoing efficient and safe operation.
  • Stylish: Hydro Heat import the best European brands, Europeans are well known for style. Radiator panels can be sleek and ultra modern or traditional victorian cast iron. Stainless steel polished towel rails and fittings complete the range providing something to suit every home decor.
  • Cost effective: A Hydronic heating system will cost around 20% less to operate than a ducted system in a house with 2.7m ceilings. Those homes with higher ceilings will see even greater cost savings of around 30-40%.
  • Hydrogen Blend Capable: As the future approaches, BAXI’s Duo-Tec E condensing boiler is ‘Hydrogen Capable’ and can blend 20% hydrogen into the natural gas mix to substantially reduce carbon emissions. A hydrogen blend is when hydrogen is added to the current gas supply. Using existing infrastructure means pipelines and fittings can stay in place as there is no need to replace.

If you’re interested in hydronic heating for your next project, get in touch with the team at Hydro Heat to see if it’s the right system for you.

How Hydronic Heating Works

Hydronic Heating FAQs

Here’s some answers to commonly asked questions about Hydronic Heating:

What is hydronic heating?

It is a heating system widely used across Europe and the United States that uses water pumped around a building to create consistent and silent heat throughout a space. Water is pumped from an on-site boiler typically heated by gas, LPG, wood fire or electricity. It is then distributed through small pipes into the hydronic floor slab heating or radiator panels for heating.

What Does a Hydronic Heating System Cost?

Hydronic Panel Radiator Heating systems can be installed to new homes or retro fitted to existing. Due to the variables of system size and installation type, costs can vary greatly. An average 3 bedroom existing home that has 7-8 radiators installed with good underfloor access may cost approximately $10,000 – $15,000 inclusive fully installed. Using quality fittings and components and a skilled installer will add to the cost but increase efficiency and life span. It’s worth keeping in mind that newer homes usually have easier access and would cost slightly less.

What Hydronic Heating Equipment will I need for my home?

A high-efficiency gas fired hydronic boiler can support a system of up to 12-15 radiators. Most systems typically consists of 7-8 panels in an average home. In addition a hydronic floor heating system can be installed, or even used in conjunction with a radiator system.

How does a Hydronic Heating System compare to Ducted Heating?

Traditionally Hydronic Heating costs between 2-3 times that of ducted to install. This cost can be quickly recovered over time by using the system efficiently, because on average the running cost of a hydronic heating system is 2/3rds the running costs of a ducted heating system. Hydronic heating provides true radiant heat, with no forced air, dust mites or combustion burning fire.

How quickly can hydronic heating affect the temperature of a room?

Hydronic heating will noticeably affect the temperature of a room within 10-15 minutes. It is a slower system than ducted heating systems, but typically quicker than wood fire. It’s efficiency and comfort surpass both.

Does hydronic heating make much noise?

No, it is a near silent form of heating which maintains the warmth of a building or room. Warm water is pumped from a boiler that can be installed externally at the side of the house or internally in a cupboard or boiler room.

Is hydronic heating suitable for people with allergies or asthma?

There is no airflow with this form of heating system, so no dust particles will be moved about by it. The heating is contained within the floor or on wall panels that are easy to dust or clean. This system is ideal for clean environments and is the system of choice for hospitals and laboratories.

Is hydronic heating safe for children?

Hydronic heating is one of the safest forms of warming a room available. Hydronic floor slab and panel systems do not get very hot and can typically be touched with bare skin by people of all-ages. The boiler is completely safe, but it is recommended that the unit is situated in a part of the house or building that is not accessible to children.

How efficient are BAXI Hydronic Boilers?

Hydronic boilers are the heart of the Hydronic heating system and their efficiency is key. BAXI boilers are extremely efficient, read about how they rank in the Sedbuk energy rating system.

Are Hydrogen boilers available now?

It isn’t yet possible to buy a 100% hydrogen powered boiler. But as the future approaches, the BAXI Duo-Tec E is ‘Hydrogen Capable’ and can blend 20% hydrogen into the natural gas mix to substantially reduce carbon emissions. Existing boilers, pipelines and fittings can stay in place as there is no need to replace the infrastructure. Using a hydrogen blend means households can continue to use their heating and hot water in the same way they do today without major changes to their central heating systems or homes.