Hydronic heating systems

Another common type of heating system in Atlantic Canada is the hydronic heating system, using a boiler to heat water. The water is then circulated through radiators and baseboards to heat the house. Kerr offers a selection of boilers for hydronic heating, including our own Energy Star rated Kerr Comet boiler, part of our Kerr Smart Energy™ offering.

Apart from your conventional hydronic heating system that uses baseboard and radiators, you can also choose built-in radiant systems. There are generally two types: hot water pipes in floors, ceilings and walls and electrical cables in floors (which may also be installed in ceilings).

In-floor radiant heating has become increasingly popular, and can be used independently or in combination with hydronic baseboard heating. While an in-floor radiant system may be slightly more costly to install, they offer plenty of savings and comfort. High-tech flexible tubing or electrical cable installed beneath your floor circulates warm water, warming your floor and radiating heat directly to your body, just like the sun does. In-floor radiant heating puts heat right where you want it with no drafts or cold spots. Radiant in-floor heating requires lower water temperatures than baseboard and radiators to operate, so your energy costs are reduced. Optimized temperature distribution means you can actually lower average room temperatures by up to 3º Celsius and still enjoy greater comfort.

In-floor radiant heating can be installed throughout your home, just on one level in combination with hydronic baseboard on other levels, or just in one, special area of your home. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto warm heated tiles! You can even treat yourself by installing it under your paved driveway, to keep it free of ice and snow build-up.

Advantages of Hydronic Heating:

• system can be easily zoned, allowing for selected temperatures in different areas of the home
• consistent, even temperature in the home (no sudden bursts of heat as with forced air system)
• allows for the option of providing domestic hot water on demand from the boiler or the option to incorporate an energy efficient, environmentally friendly indirect-fired water heater

Disadvantages of Hydronic Heating:

• more costly to install than forced air system
• more “wear & tear” parts for replacement
• inability to incorporate central air conditioning, however a ductless split air conditioning unit can be very easily incorporated into the home