Not sure how hydraulic heaters work?
The concept is easy to understand. The hydraulic heater heats the room by heating the non-toxic liquid in the boiler. The liquid, usually oil or water, generates radiant heat to heat one or more rooms.
Hydraulic underfloor heating40% more efficientinstead of forced air heating systems, which are more compact and have no moving parts. As a result, they require less maintenance, take up less space and last for decades.
And what's the best about them? They work quietly.
In this article we explain everything you need to knowhydronic pedestal heaters. We'll explore how these heaters work, the benefits they provide, and the differences between hydronic and convection heaters. Read on for more information.
Contents
What is a Hydronic Heater?
Hydraulic pedestal heaters heat a non-toxic fluid to provide heat. A liquid, such as oil or water, is enclosed in the boiler.
After heating through a pump and a network of pipes, it goes to the wall radiators. The hot liquid then provides radiant heat to warm your rooms.
Hydraulic heaters work in the same way as radiators. But that's where the similarities end.
Although radiators take up a lot of space, these units are incredibly compact. So you can hide them along the floorboards. They also require less maintenance than radiators and are more energy efficient.
Components of hydraulic pedestal heaters
These are the parts that make up the hydraulic base plate heating system:
- Boiler: Located in the basement, floorboilerburns oil or gas to heat a non-toxic liquid. It is sealed inside and out to prevent energy leakage and is connected to the overhead radiators via a network of pipes.
- Pump and pipes: The pump uses a turbine to create a partial vacuum that would draw water out of the boiler and into the pump. It then increases its pressure to force the liquid into pipes, which then carry it to your rooms.
- Radiator: After the boiler has heated up the liquid sufficiently, the pump will transport it through the pipe to the radiator. The radiator then releases heat into your room, warming it up and making it comfortable.
- Thermostat: With a wall thermostat you set the heating to the desired temperature in the house. Thermostats come in manual, programmable and smart versions. Check out this guide onadvantages of hydraulic pedestal heatersknow more about them.
Advantages of hydraulic underfloor heating
The following are the main advantages of hydraulic pedestal heaters:
1) Better for allergies
Hydronic panel heaters are better for allergies because they don't circulate air. They have no vents, ducts, or fans that can suck up and disperse allergens or pollen in your rooms.
With it you can say goodbye to sore throat, dry eyes and cough. It is for this reasonAsthma Foundation of Australiarecommends radiators for people with allergies and asthma.
2) Very energy efficient
Home Energy Magazine claims that hydraulic heaters are 40% more efficient than forced air heater systems. They consume35% less energybut also central duct heating systems.
The reason hydraulic heaters are so energy efficient is that they have no ducts. This saves them from heat losses that harm the efficiency of other heating appliances.
3) Safer for children
Hydraulic heaters are safer for children due to the low surface temperature. Unlike other heaters, which can get too hot to touch if you turn them up too high, these units will always feel cooler to the touch.
This makes them a must for nurseries, playrooms, veterinary clinics or any other space where children (or pets) often spend their time.
4) Offer zone heating
Homeowners with hydronic baseboard heaters can easily do thatcreate more zones. All they need is a zone valve, which controls the flow of water in the pipe. The valve has an actuator that opens/closes the valve based on your thermostat settings for that zone (or room).
Zone heating systems allow you to adjust their temperature based on room usage, environmental conditions and personal preferences. This makes them more efficient than whole house heating systems.
5) Provide long lasting warmth
Unlike convection heaters, which stop producing heat when you turn them off, water heaters continue to give off heat long after you turn off the power.
This is because the hot liquid takes some time to cool after being heated to a certain temperature, providing balanced heat for extended periods of time.
6) Work calmly
Hydraulic heaters operate silently because no air passes through their ducts and does not blow into your rooms.
This gives them an advantage over forced air heating systems that cannot be installed in living rooms or bedrooms due to the noise their built-in appliances make when in use.
Maintenance and installation of a hydraulic heater
Hydraulic panel heaters are easier to maintain and install than most other types of heaters. But this does not mean that maintenance and installation is easy. There are a few things to keep in mind to install and maintain them correctly.
Maintenance of the hydraulic bottom heater
To ensure optimum operation of your hydronic heater:
Clean the metal heating fins once a year
This is necessary to ensure good airflow. All you need to do to clean the heating fins is remove the front cover of the heating and vacuum the fins.
You can then use a damp cloth or a small brush for a more thorough cleaning. Be sure to clean the ribs at the beginning of each heating season.
Bleed the water pipes once a year
Bleeding water pipesis necessary to maintain an optimum level of heat production and maintain noisy operation. Switch off the boiler and wait for the plate radiator to cool down before venting the water pipes. Open the "vent" with a radiator wrench or screwdriver to release excess air.
Have the oven serviced by a heating expert
Having your boiler serviced by a heating specialist before the heating season starts can reduce your fuel billeven 10 percent. It also saves you the expense and inconvenience of equipment downtime during the colder months.
Installation of the hydraulic heating on the plinth
How to connect the hydraulic plinth heating:
Step 1: Check all parts again
Read the installation instructions and make a checklist of the parts required for the installation. Take out the parts and check that everything is on the list. Here are a few parts that almost all hydronic heaters require for their installation:
- Copper tubes with elbows at both ends
- Metal fins or slats
- Air vent, dust cover, screws and brackets
Step 2: Set to dry
Do not screw the motherboard or solder the copper pipe until you have dry-assembled the entire installation, even if you are sure of what you are doing.
If you are going to install a new floor or carpet, you must take into account the space that the new floor will take up. Otherwise, the bottom heater may not have enough space underneath.
Step 3: Run the pipes
After dry mounting the base, mark the point where the hot water pipes will be attached. Use a drill to drill holes the size of the hot water pipes. Then place the copper cables dry on the floor to make sure everything goes smoothly when you start soldering.
Step 4: Assemble and Solder
Follow the instructions in the manual to mount the pedestal heater. You will need mounting hardware to secure (or nail) the equipment in place. The next thing to do is solder all the connections in place.
Lubricate each piece of pipe and fitting with a layer of flux. Then use a propane or acetylene torch to heat the tubing and lead-free solder before making the connections. If you don't like the idea of soldering, it's a good idea to call in a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydronic Heating
Are hydraulic heaters worth it?
Water heaters pay off because they are more energy efficient than convection heaters, their main competitors in the panel heating market. These heating elements provide a more even heat, preventing the thermostat from switching on/off frequently. This reduces their energy consumption.
What is the service life of the hydraulic heater?
Most hydraulic hobs will last between 10 and 20 years if they are serviced annually to prevent rust and corrosion.
However, modern units can last longer thanks to superior construction materials and professional annual maintenance.
How much do hydronic pedestal heaters cost?
When you consider their initial and installation costs, installing a hydraulic baseboard heater can cost you dearlybetween 500 and 600 dollars.
These costs include the asking price of the heater (between $300 and $350) and the installation cost (about $200), depending on the consumables required for the installation.
How much do hydronic pedestal heaters cost?
When you factor in their initial and installation costs, installing a hydronic baseboard heater can cost you between $500 and $600.
What are the differences between convection and hydraulic heaters?
Convection heaters work by drawing in air from their surroundings, passing it over electrically heated metal fins and then sending the heated air outside to raise the room temperature. This method of heat transfer is called convection.
Hydraulic pedestal heaters, as mentioned above, heat a liquid, such as oil or water, in a boiler. After heating through a pump and a network of pipes, it goes to the wall radiators. The hot liquid then provides radiant heat to warm your rooms.
Here are the main differences between convection and hydraulic baseboard heaters:
Sizes and price
Convection heaters offer a wider range of sizes. Their sizes start at a short 20 inches in length and end at a substantial 96 inches in length (with every length in between). This is not the case with hydraulic heaters. They are available in limited lengths between 35 inches and 94 inches.
Hydro heaters also cost more. You may have to pay four times as much for it as you would for a convection underfloor heating of the same size. althoughhydraulic heating systemspay off their high asking price with greater energy efficiency.
Energy consumption
A convection heater takes less time than hydraulic heaters to heat a room of the same size. This is because its heating element takes less time to warm up and reach the set temperature than the fuel in hydronic heating systems, whichenergy densitydetermines the warm-up time.
However, because the fuel stays warm longer after the thermostat has been turned off, hydraulic systems provide longer lasting heat. This makes them more energy efficient than convection heaters, whose heating element cools down a few minutes after the thermostat has been switched off.
Noise and longevity
Their operating noise is one area where you won't find differences between convection and hydraulic heaters. Both have no moving parts, which would prevent them from operating silently.
The only sound you would hear from either is the "click" sound that is heard when the thermostat turns off the heating.
In terms of service life, convection heaters can run for decades with minimal maintenance. This may not be the case with hydraulic heating systems, most of which fail after about 10 to 20 years, even with annual maintenance.
Repair and maintenance
Most problems with a convection heater can be solved by the handyman at home. They have no ducts to clean, no fan motor to burn out, and no fluid to leak. However, it may be necessary to call in a heating professional for annual maintenance on your boiler or hydronic heating furnace.
Conclusion
Do you need a hydraulic heater? Only you can answer this question.
However, if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to consider hydronic heaters. Additionally, if you want to reduce your monthly heating costs and have a heating system that is safe for children or pets, hydraulic baseboard heaters could be the right choice for you.
Amir Bashir
I have a degree in chemical engineering and have written for numerous nationally recognized home improvement publications. My skills span fluid mechanics and process engineering and I have worked on numerous projects including calculations of wastewater flows and heat balance of steamrollers in the paper industry. My goal as a technical writer is to make complicated topics easy to understand for the average person.
Related posts:
- 5 Best Hydraulic Baseboard Heaters
- 5 Best Hydraulic Baseboard Heaters
- 5 best Hydronic thermostats for underfloor heating
- Alternatives to the top heater for the stand
FAQs
What is hydronic baseboard heaters? ›
Hydronic baseboard heaters warm liquid in a sealed unit (usually water, but sometimes oil). This provides radiant heat to warm individual rooms inside your home. Each heater uses a thermostat to regulate the temperature, allowing you to switch on the boards only in the rooms you're using.
What are the basics of baseboard heating? ›How do electric baseboard heaters work? An electric current flows through the electric baseboard's heating element. The electrical resistance of the heating element causes it to heat up as the electricity tries to flow through it. Baseboard heaters don't have fans; their heat naturally spreads throughout the room.
What is the rule of thumb for hydronic baseboard heaters? ›Myth #2: Bigger is Better. The rule of thumb for sizing a baseboard, or any electric heater, was 10 watts per square foot. So if you have a 10 x 10 room you would need a 1,000 watt heater.
How much hydronic baseboard heat do I need? ›Generally, an electric heater should have 10 watts of power for every square foot of living space, and a radiator should put out 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, a 100 square foot room would require at least a 1,000 watt (100 x 10) electric hydronic baseboard heater, or a 2,000 BTU baseboard radiator.
What is hydronic baseboard heaters Canada? ›Hydronic Heater
Instead of electrical heating elements directly heating the air, with hydronic or oil-filled heater systems, the heating element warms the water or oil, which in turn heats the air. 1 The water or oil is sealed within the system and does not require recharging.
Hot Water Baseboard Heaters
These are also called hydronic baseboard heaters and they have to be connected to the central heating system. However, no water needs to be channeled all the way through the pipes to these individual baseboard heating units in order to heat the rooms.
Buying Considerations for Electric Baseboard Heaters. Shop for an electric baseboard heater based on key factors like heat output, source of power for the heater, and the length of the heater. Whether you want an onboard or wall thermostat and how much the heater will cost to run are also important.
How does a hydronic heating system work? ›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.
What is the difference between hydronic and standard baseboard heaters? ›A convection (or “hot air”) baseboard heater heats a room by drawing in cooler air and pushing out warmer air. A hydronic (or “hot water”) baseboard heater, on the other hand, warms a room by heating a non-toxic fluid from within a reservoir.
What temperature should I set my hydronic heating? ›Radiant-floor heating systems typically use water temperatures of 85-140°F (30-60°C), compared with baseboard hydronic systems that typically operate at 130-160°F (55-70°C).
How many BTU per foot for hydronic baseboard heaters? ›
Since each linear foot of baseboard puts out about 600 Btu/hr (when the average water temperature is 180 degrees F), your radiator will be pumping about 18,000 Btu/hr into that bedroom.
How many BTU do I need for hydronic heating? ›A typical output of a residential hydronic radiant heating system is within 25-35 BTU per square foot, with 40 BTU being a rare occasion for older homes and buildings with poor insulation. 2. 12W per square foot equals approximately 41 BTU per square foot (optimal heat output with enough backup power).
Will hydronic baseboard heaters freeze? ›The short answer to that questions is no. Here's the long answer: These heaters use a non-toxic heat transfer fluid. That fluid protects itself from freezing in temperatures down to about 9 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature water is heated by hydronic baseboard? ›The existing hydronic distribution system uses standard finned-tube baseboard and requires a supply water temperature of 180ºF at design load conditions.
Does hydronic heating use a lot of water? ›Whilst Hydronic heating systems use water to provide heat, the water is constantly recycled and circulated through the system having no further demands on water usage apart from only requiring a small amount of water to top up the system at yearly service intervals.
What is the downside of hydronic heating? ›Disadvantages of Hydronic Heating
Heated liquid must travel through the whole system, so it takes longer to heat a space. Since hydronic systems take longer to heat up, they are better when set at a consistent temperature. The need for extra space near convectors may interfere with furniture arrangement.
Space in Front of Baseboard Heaters
You can place a couch or chair in front of a heater, but it must be at least a foot away. Placing furniture closer than that creates a potential fire hazard, and it can greatly diminish the heater's performance by restricting airflow to and from the heater.
Hydronic baseboard heat
Instead of electricity, hydronic baseboard heaters use liquid to heat the copper coils inside the unit. These units are connected to a central boiler in the home that's heated by gas, oil, or electricity.
Bottom line, hot water heat is better than warm air heat. Hydronic baseboard heat is not only an efficient heater, it also provides more even heat than electric baseboards. It doesn't cycle on and off as much as other heating systems. That, in turn, decreases your overall energy consumption.
Can you run hydronic heating with electricity? ›Is hydronic heating gas or electric? At its core, hydronic heating is versatile when it comes to product options and heat sources. You can choose from natural gas, LPG, electricity, heat pumps or wood pellets to run your hydronic heating system.
Do baseboard heaters have to be on the floor? ›
Electric baseboard heaters work by convection. The element heats the air around it, causing it to rise out of the top of the metal housing. That, in turn, draws more air in at the bottom of the housing. These heaters should be installed near the floor, as designed, says GBA senior editor Martin Holladay.
What can go wrong with baseboard heaters? ›If your heater doesn't produce heat after a couple of minutes, check the electrical system. Tripped breakers are a common problem with baseboard heaters. Inspect the valves inside the heater. Valves may corrode and stick together without proper lubrication, preventing heat from getting into the room.
What type of baseboard heater is the most efficient? ›Hydronic baseboard heaters radiate heat heated water and are the most efficient form of heating and costs significantly less than electric. Electric heaters, generate and maintain their temperature through electricity.
What is the most common baseboard heater? ›Convection Baseboard Heaters
Convection heaters are the most common, and are usually hardwired directly into a home's electrical system.
Hydronic system basics
A hydronic system uses water or steam, heated by a boiler, to heat your home. Water enters the boiler's combustion chamber via a circulator; once heated, the water is distributed through pipes to heat baseboards or radiators throughout your home.
- Boiler Controls.
- Expansion Tanks.
- Air & Dirt Elimination.
- Check your thermostat is in working order. The thermostat is a good place to start when checking your system's operation. ...
- Draught-proof your home. ...
- Opt for an external sensor. ...
- Consider upgrading to a condensing boiler. ...
- Book in for a regular service.
Baseboard, radiant hydronic floor, and hydro-air heating are the three common types of hydronic heating systems.
How long do hydronic baseboard heaters last? ›The typical hydronic heating system has the capacity to function efficiently for anywhere in between 10 to 20 years.
What is better than baseboard heaters? ›Ductless heat pumps/mini split systems are one of the top alternatives to baseboard heaters if you're looking for the energy efficiency of electric heat but want to avoid the drawbacks listed above. A ductless mini split provides all the benefits of zoned climate control, and doesn't require ductwork.
What do you need for hydronic heating? ›
Hydronic systems can use a wide variety of energy sources to heat the liquid, including standard gas- or oil-fired boilers, wood-fired boilers, solar water heaters, or a combination of these sources.
Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter? ›Day Time Temperature Setting
The lower the temperature is inside of the home, the slower the rate of thermal energy loss. To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home.
A Power flush is a cleaning process that removes deposits of sludge from a hydronic heating system and should be done every 5 years. Over time this sludge builds up in your radiator panel, floor heating and your boiler.
How thick should a floor be for hydronic heating? ›A: As a rule of thumb, Gypsum Concrete should be installed at ¾” thick over the top of the radiant heat tubes. The industry standard for radiant heat tubing is 5/8” Pex tubing (O.D. of approx ¾”), therefore a 1-1/2” thick Gypsum Concrete topping is most typical.
What size baseboard heater for a 12x12 room? ›For example, if you are heating a 12-foot x 12-foot bedroom, the space includes 144 square feet. Multiplying this by 10 watts shows that the necessary heater wattage for the room is 1440.
How can I make my hydronic baseboard heater more efficient? ›- Decrease Drafts. If your home is rather drafty, your baseboard heaters may be overcompensating to counteract the cold air that is regularly let in. ...
- Adjust Your Thermostat. ...
- Clean Baseboard Heaters Regularly. ...
- Choose the Right Cover.
Boiler Capacity
An easy rule-of-thumb for BTU requirements is to figure that you need about 50 BTU per square foot of interior space in a cold climate; 35 BTU per square foot in a moderate climate; and 20 BTU per square foot in a hot climate.
The first technique is to simply figure the square footage of the space you want to heat. In warmer climates, multiply this number by 10 - 15. In more moderate climates, multiply by 20 - 30. And in cold climates multiply the square foot number by 30 - 40.
How many BTU do I need for 1500 sq ft? ›| Area To Be Cooled (square feet) | Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour) |
|---|---|
| 1,200 to 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 to 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 to 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 to 2,500 | 34,000 |
Can you really hang curtains over baseboard heaters? The answer to that question is YES as long as they are above the heaters. These are the new curtains I just purchased and I made sure that the length of the panel hovered above the heaters. They hover above the baseboard heater a couple of inches.
Can I use antifreeze in hydronic heating system? ›
Hydronic systems must be designed for the inclusion of antifreeze. It's equally important as knowing how much pipe and radiation is part of the system. Using antifreeze requires two big considerations during the design process: Propylene glycol has a lower BTU carry capacity than water.
Where do you put hydronic baseboard heaters? ›Heaters may be mounted directly to any floor surface, including carpeting. Wall to wall carpet (maximum thickness 3/4”) may extend under or to the front of the baseboard heater. This is provided the flooring material does not obstruct air flow to the heater.
How many feet of hydronic baseboard heat do I need? ›Generally, an electric heater should have 10 watts of power for every square foot of living space, and a radiator should put out 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, a 100 square foot room would require at least a 1,000 watt (100 x 10) electric hydronic baseboard heater, or a 2,000 BTU baseboard radiator.
What kind of water is best for hydronic heat? ›Water is considered 100% demineralized when its TDS is measured at 0 ppm, water with TDS less than 30 ppm is considered ideal for closed loop hydronic systems.
Does hydronic heating use a lot of gas? ›Hydronic heating is known to be energy efficient with the main reason being its ability to operate two or more separate piping systems from a single hydronic boiler. The energy usage of hydronic heating can be up to 70% less than other methods such as electricity dependent heating systems.
What is better hydronic heating or electric heating? ›Hydronic uses water while electric heating uses thermal energy. Electric heating can be installed in existing buildings and renovations easily, whereas Hydronic requires more planning due to the boilers and pipes. Hydronic Underfloor heating has a higher capital cost when compared to electric underfloor heating.
How does hydronic baseboard work? ›Hydronic baseboard heaters warm liquid in a sealed unit (usually water, but sometimes oil). This provides radiant heat to warm individual rooms inside your home. Each heater uses a thermostat to regulate the temperature, allowing you to switch on the boards only in the rooms you're using.
What is the difference between hydronic and regular baseboard heaters? ›A convection (or “hot air”) baseboard heater heats a room by drawing in cooler air and pushing out warmer air. A hydronic (or “hot water”) baseboard heater, on the other hand, warms a room by heating a non-toxic fluid from within a reservoir.
Is hydronic baseboard better than regular? ›While both electric and hydronic systems heat effectively, each type has its clear forte: Electric baseboards serve better as smaller-space heating sources or for supplemental heat in a larger room, while hydronic baseboards are more fuel-efficient, depending on electricity costs in the area.
Is hydronic baseboard heating worth it? ›Bottom line, hot water heat is better than warm air heat. Hydronic baseboard heat is not only an efficient heater, it also provides more even heat than electric baseboards. It doesn't cycle on and off as much as other heating systems. That, in turn, decreases your overall energy consumption.
Can you put furniture next to hydronic baseboard heaters? ›
Space in Front of Baseboard Heaters
You can place a couch or chair in front of a heater, but it must be at least a foot away. Placing furniture closer than that creates a potential fire hazard, and it can greatly diminish the heater's performance by restricting airflow to and from the heater.
The existing hydronic distribution system uses standard finned-tube baseboard and requires a supply water temperature of 180ºF at design load conditions.
What is the most efficient use of hydronic heating? ›Hydronic heating is known to be energy efficient with the main reason being its ability to operate two or more separate piping systems from a single hydronic boiler. The energy usage of hydronic heating can be up to 70% less than other methods such as electricity dependent heating systems.
What is the simplest hydronic heating system? ›In the simplest hydronic distribution system, all heat emitters are connected into a common loop, or “circuit,” with the heat source. In this arrangement, the water temperature gets progressively lower as it moves from one heat emitter to the next.
Can you put furniture against hydronic heating? ›Yes, however it will restrict the radiant warmth and will not be as effective around the room. Furniture placed directly in front of radiator panels will restrict circulation and affect the room heating.