It’s probably safe to say that most American homes are fitted with forced-air HVAC systems. On the heating side of things, this means a central furnace connected to a blower system that circulates warm air throughout the home. However, the forced-air model is not the only way to accomplish comfortable home heating.
There is another method known as hydronics. Hydronic heating isn’t actually new. It has been used throughout the world for decades. The U.S. also used to be a big part of this. It only fell out of favor when forced-air systems became a thing.
Hydronic heating is catching on again in this country. And in fact, a Salt Lake City area HVAC and plumbing contractor known as Beehive Plumbing says that it is pretty popular in Utah right now. I am not surprised.
Using Water to Heat the Home
The core concept that powers hydronic heating is noticeable in the name. ‘Hydro’ pertains to water. So hydronic heating relies on hot water to heat a home. The water is heated and then forced through a secondary system.
Getting the heat from water into ambient air can be accomplished in several ways. Some 50 years ago, homes equipped with hydronic heating utilized radiators or small registers attached to the baseboards.
Different Types of Hydronic Systems
Heating with hot water brings a lot of flexibility to the home heating equation. As such, there are many types of hydronic systems. Some utilize boilers to heat the water. Others rely on the principle of heat extraction.
The most common types of hydronic heating systems are the following:
Hydro Furnace – A hydro furnace is a furnace that utilizes a heat exchanger and boiler. The boiler heats the water and sends it to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger extracts heat and circulates it through the home with standard forced-air technology.
Hydronic Heat Pump – A hydraulic heat pump extracts heat from exterior air using a refrigerant. The heat is then transferred to the water which then circulates throughout the system.
Hydronic Air Handler – A hydronic air handler depends on either a water heater or boiler. Hot water circulates through a water-to-air coil where heat is extracted before being distributed through ductwork.
Radiant Floor Heating – Radiant floor heating is based on the principle of running hot water through tubes installed under the floor. Among all the hydronic options, radiant floor heating provides the most consistent and comfortable heat.
Baseboard Heating – Baseboard heating is one of the oldest and most reliable forms of hydronic heating. Radiators are barely used anymore, but baseboard convection heaters are still alive and kicking.
There are other forms of hydronic heating I do not have the space to get into. Needless to say that hydronics offer an efficient, cost-effective, and surprisingly uncomplicated way to heat homes.
New Builds and Existing Homes
And as you might expect, hydronic heating systems are usually found in new builds. They are easier to install in new builds because the work can be done before walls and floors are put in. However, it is possible to install a hydronic system in an existing home. It is just more expensive and considerably invasive.
I remember hydronic heating from my childhood. Decades later, my home relies on a forced-air system. If I could afford it, I would go back to hydronics. Hydronic heating is a not-so-new way to heat one’s home. It is a heating strategy that is suddenly catching on once again. Could it be that higher fuel prices are driving the trend?
