Radiant Heating - Electric Low Voltage Vs. Line Voltage

Electric Low Voltage Vs. Line Voltage

Electric systems use fewer components and are simpler to install and commission than hydronic systems but direct heating with electricity can be more expensive than some other sources of heat. Some electric systems use line voltage technology while others use low voltage technology. Low voltage electrical radiant floor heating in respect of line voltage heating has the added complexity of the voltage regulators and transformers, so it can be more failure prone. The amount of power dissipated is, of course, equal, as all energy is given off in the form of heat.

In some cases, the cost of electric heat can be offset by other factors such as with thin film radiant heating. In this technology 99.9% of the electricity is converted to long wave infrared radiant energy, and 85% of the surface area is covered with heating element. As heat is a transfer of energy: when you increase the heated surface area, you increase the efficiency of the thermal transfer. In this way the radiant heating film warms up more area, more quickly and at lower temperatures using less energy, which can significantly increase efficiency.