Red hot as in sales, that is. The reasons behind the increasing popularity of radiant heat panels are ease of installation, quick warm up, dust free heat, and low cost relative to other retrofit heating systems.
Today, a picnic can be anything from a casual meal on the porch, with paper plates and plastic forks, to a formal picnic lunch, with gourmet food served on good china. It can be a large gathering at a park, or a cozy lunch for two on a picnic blanket in a scenic spot. A picnic can be a grand affair, planned or months � perhaps even catered � or a spontaneous move outdoors to enjoy the weather. No matter how differently they may be defined, however, everyone agrees that picnics are fun!Installation of radiant heat panels typically cost between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot of heated space. For a 1,500 sq. ft. house the estimated cost would be $1,900 to $2,300. That�s considerably less than the cost for a complete forced air system.Radiant Heat Panel Installation and CostHeating without moving air also eliminates drafts and prevents dust and pollen from circulating while maintaining the air�s moisture content.Disadvantages of Radiant Heat PanelsWith separate thermostats for each room, zoned heating is easy as turning a light switch on and off. Significant energy savings can be realized by allowing only the occupied areas to be heated. The quick response time radiant panels will return an unoccupied room to a comfortable temperature in minutes.Radiant heat panels manufactured by Enerjoy are about 1 inch thick, and range in size from 2�x2� to 2�x8�. They are textured to look like the ceiling and can painted to match the room�s d�cor with quality water based acrylic paint.Radiant heat panels are an excellent source of heat for bathrooms (no more foggy mirrors), log homes, gazebos, screened in porches and stables. If you�re heating a greenhouse, radiant heat will protect your plants in the absence of sunlight by maintaining root temperatures.There is available treated wood that has been observed to be successful with its performance. Its durability depends on its location and its use. The use of treated wood is determined by the retention of the wood, or the quantity of wood preservative placed. The lowest retention property (0.15 plus water repellant) mostly are used for gazebos, fence boards, hand rails, trellises, and decks. Retention property of 0.25 is used for trim and fascia, framing, flooring and sill plates. A retention property of 0.40 is mostly used with deck fence posts, deck support posts, and landscaping. Lastly, retention property of 0.60 is used for making permanent wood foundation and building poles.Replacing a wood stove with ceiling mounted panels in auxiliary buildings such as workshops or studios allows the use of all available floor space.Heat loss from ducts, even insulated ones, reduces the efficiency of forced air systems. Additional leakage is created by the internal air pressure generated by forced air systems. No duct, No pressure, no leakage problems.The low amperage requirements for ceiling heat panels can usually be provided by existing 120 or 240 volt circuits. The 30%-70% wattage reduction over electric baseboard heating eliminates the need for dedicated wiring. Wherever a single panel is installed, the existing 120 volt capacity circuit is usually adequate for the additional load.Using wood isn't the only thing there is. The most important part is how to choose the material carefully for the purpose of protecting it from termites and from rotting. Outdoor decks or those used for landscaping are mostly unprotected and are housed by termites and therefore will decay. There are types of woods that are naturally resistant. These types include the cedar, cyprus and redwood. Problems with pest infestation is the result of a wood with soil contact. Treated wood made of composite materials is advisable when constructing wooden decks or porches or anything that may come in contact with soil. There are lumbers that are pressure-treated and are very much resistant to termites, other insects and rotting. They are processed with a sequence of pressure cycles forcing the wood preservative deep into the pores of the wood, therefore developing a chemical barricade against insects and decay.Many high class efficient construction techniques exist today. Conventionally, the use of wood framing isn't the most efficient in house production. Although it is undeniable that it has certain advantages. Constructing homes using wood is also inexpensive and cost-effective. What's more is that experienced contractors aren't difficult to find when building framed walls.Wood, as a choice, offers a sophisticated and personal look. Each section is as exclusive as ones fingerprints. Each variety has a diverse feel and a clear-cut personality. From an entirely aesthetic point of view, nothing matches the elegance and appeal that wood offers. Synthetic materials mimic wood, but they can only try. How can the quality, intensity and beauty be captured?Advantages of Radiant Heat PanelsThe panels operate at 150-170 degrees F. and radiate heat to objects and people in the room. The panel itself reaches operating temperature in only three to five minutes.If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.A U.S. Department of Energy sponsored study concluded that radiant heat panels were 52% less expensive to operate than electric baseboard heat and 33% more cost effective air to air heat pumps. The study concluded that �energy savings would be obtainable in a great portion of U.S. households�.
If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.
Author: Sam Streubel
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