Why is in-floor radiant heating more comfortable than forced air?

Radiant heat warms surfaces and the room evenly from the floor up, eliminating drafts and cold spots and keeping floors pleasantly warm.

Is hydronic radiant more efficient than electric radiant?

Generally yes—water’s high heat capacity allows lower supply temperatures and lower operating costs over larger areas compared to electric mats or cables.

Does hydronic heating improve indoor air quality?

Yes. Hydronic systems don’t move air through ducts, which reduces the circulation of dust and allergens compared with forced air.

What PEX tube size and spacing should I use?

1/2-inch PEX is common for residential loops; spacing is typically 6–12 inches depending on heat load and coverings. Design calculations determine the exact spacing.

What is the RHT Floor Panel System and when should I use it?

It’s an over-floor panel and plate system for 1/2-inch PEX that speeds installation and improves heat transfer, ideal when you’re not embedding tubing in a slab.

Do I need insulation under a heated slab?

Yes. Underslab and edge insulation reduce downward losses and improve efficiency and comfort.

What are primary and secondary loops in hydronics?

They decouple the heat source (primary) from zone circuits (secondary) using closely spaced tees for hydraulic separation, stabilizing flows and temperatures.

How far apart should closely spaced tees be?

Typically 4–6 pipe diameters to minimize pressure differential and avoid flow interference between circuits.

What’s included in an RHT Prefabricated Boiler Panel?

Factory-built assemblies with pumps, valves, controls, and clean piping layouts to speed installation and simplify startup.

Why choose a prefabricated radiant pump panel?

Faster install, factory-tested reliability, fewer onsite errors, and a clean, professional mechanical room appearance.

How do I purge air from radiant loops?

Use the fill kit and manifold purge points to flush each loop until a steady, air-free flow returns. Repeat for all loops and recheck pressure.

Is carpet compatible with radiant floor heating?

Yes—use a radiant-rated carpet and pad with a suitable R-value; follow the flooring manufacturer’s temperature limits.

Can heat pumps work with radiant heating?

Yes. Low-temperature radiant pairs well with heat pumps; proper mixing and control strategies help match supply temperatures.

Articles › The Complete Guide to Radiant Heating & Hydronic Systems

The Complete Guide to Radiant Heating & Hydronic Systems

Why Choose Radiant Heating
System Comparisons
Design & Installation
Hydronic Optimization
Prefabricated Solutions
Startup & Operation Guides
Flooring & Finish Considerations
Visual & Planning Resources
Heat Pumps & Radiant
Case Studies
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Radiant heating delivers quiet, even comfort from the ground up. This guide is your hub for everything radiant and hydronic — from fundamentals and system comparisons to installation best practices, optimization techniques, and real-world examples. Dive into any section below to explore the full article.

Why Choose Radiant Heating

Radiant systems warm surfaces and rooms evenly, reducing drafts and airborne dust for healthier, cozier spaces — often with lower operating costs than traditional HVAC.

Read: Why is In-Floor Radiant Heating right for my project?

System Comparisons

Hydronic vs Electric Radiant: Water’s heat capacity makes hydronic systems more efficient over larger areas, often delivering lower lifetime costs and compatibility with renewables.

Read: Hydronic Radiant Heating: A Superior Choice Over Electric Radiant Systems

Hydronic vs Forced Air: Hydronic heat offers steadier comfort, quieter operation, better air quality, and easy zoning for true room-by-room control.

Read: Hydronic Heating: The Superior Choice Over Forced Air Systems

Design & Installation

PEX Tube Sizing & Spacing: Learn how diameter and spacing affect output, loop lengths, and comfort — with quick multipliers to estimate tubing totals.

Read: PEX Tube Sizing & Spacing

Over-Floor Panel System: Speed installation and boost heat transfer with the RHT Floor Panel System and custom plates.

Read: RHT Floor Panel System

Concrete Slab Installs: Depth, insulation, and control joints matter — get the slab details right for top performance.

Read: In-Floor Radiant Heating in a Concrete Slab

Lightweight Over Subfloor: A topping pour on suspended subfloors evens surface temps and adds thermal mass.

Read: In-Floor Radiant Heating in Lightweight Concrete over a Suspended Subfloor