1. Creating the Heat
Most require a hazardous fossil fuel source used in the combustion process to create the heat. These same fuels must be stored locally on site (oil or propane tanks) or piped to the equipment (natural gas). Equipment failure can cause expensive environmental spill cleanup, or worse if a more serious failure.
Depending upon the type of equipment, combustion efficiency ranges from 80-95% when first installed which slowly decreases over the life of the system. The remaining 5-20% is released as harmful greenhouse gases through the flue.
Mechanical equipment requires ongoing maintenance to operate properly over the life of the system. This includes the expense of annual inspections, cleanings, tune ups, and replacement of components such as filters/worn out or moving parts that fail over time.
2. Distributing the Heat
There are two parts to a conventional central heat distribution system that are inherently problematic as described below:
Duct & Piping Systems
- Once created remotely, the heat is delivered through a duct or piping system to where it is used and subsequently returned for re-heating. This cycle creates heat loss as it cools down while traveling, or via leaks in the duct system.
- Distribution heat losses can negatively impact efficiency by as much as 15% depending upon type, age and condition.
- From a wellness perspective, duct systems can collect and distribute dust, allergens and mold into the occupied space exposing the occupants to airborne contamination.
How Can Underfloor Heating Help With a Cold Room Above Garage?
Conventional central systems use air as the heating medium whether it is blown through ducts, or by convection when using hot water baseboards and radiators.
- As a heat medium, air is heated quickly yet cools quickly as well. As hot air rises and cooler air sinks, the end result is uneven heating in the space that feels drafty and unbalanced.
- Additionally, the warm air collects at the ceiling and the cooler air is felt by the occupants at floor level.
3. Controlling the heat consistency
Conventional systems operate either fully on or fully off as controlled by a thermostat. As it is difficult to regulate the heated air evenly, the on/off cycling tends to undershoot and overshoot the desired set temperature in the room making it less comfortable. As hot air rises, a lot of warmth collects at ceiling height versus floor height where it is most needed. Frequent cycling at full output is also inefficient and similar to the analogy of using less energy in your car by setting it on cruise control.
