Radiant Residential Heating Systems
Expert Radiant Heating Services in Calgary, Airdrie & Surrounding Areas
Radiant heating, also known as thermal radiation, efficiently warms spaces by emitting heat from a central source, such as underfloor systems, wall panels, or baseboard heaters. Unlike traditional forced-air systems that circulate warm air, radiant heating transfers heat directly to people and objects, providing immediate comfort and reducing energy loss.
Common residential radiant heating options include in-floor heating, wall-mounted panels, and ceiling heaters, ideal for garages and workshops. These systems are allergy-friendly, as they don't circulate dust and allergens.
If you're considering a radiant heating system in Calgary or Airdrie, contact our licensed technicians for a comprehensive consultation. We specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of hydronic heating systems.
Contact us today at 403.945.8324 to schedule your radiant heating consultation.
Types of Radiant Heating Systems for Your Home
In-Floor Radiant Heating
Wall Mounted Radiant Heaters
Installed beneath floor surfaces, commonly in bathrooms and basements, providing even heat distribution.
Wall Mounted Radiant Heaters
Wall Mounted Radiant Heaters
Space-saving units that offer balanced heat, ideal for rooms where floor space is limited.
Radiant Tube Heaters
Ceiling-mounted heaters, perfect for garages and workshops, delivering direct heat to objects below.
Fireplaces
Infrared Heaters
Both inserts and built-in gas fireplaces serve as focal points while emitting radiant heat absorbed by surrounding objects.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared Heaters
Infrared Heaters
Portable, gas or electric-powered units suitable for temporary heating in workshops, garages, and utility rooms.
Baseboard Heaters
Infrared Heaters
Infrared Heaters
Utilize a central boiler to circulate hot water through pipes along the baseboards, effectively heating rooms.
UNDERSTANDING HYDRONIC In-Floor HEATING SYSTEMS
How Hydronic Radiant Heating Works
Hydronic heating systems circulate heated liquids, typically water or glycol, through PEX tubing installed within concrete slabs or floor joists. This method ensures even heat distribution across floor surfaces.
A boiler heats the liquid, which then flows into a manifold system connected to thermostats, allowing precise temperature control across different zones in your home. Pumps maintain consistent circulation, ensuring efficient heating through conduction and radiation.
Hydronic systems are energy-efficient, providing comfort at lower temperatures compared to forced-air systems, leading to reduced monthly heating costs.
Quality Installations for Hydronic In-Floor Heating
Evenly Heated Floors, Long-Term Comfort, Expertly Installed
Similar to slab heating that has tubing encased in a concrete slab, hydronic in-floor radiant heating systems use a boiler to pump heated water through a network of pipes located with the floor joist space to heat the floor surface.
You can get a good idea of the quality of a radiant floor install by how equally spaced out each pex tube is laid out. When radiant floor heating is correctly installed there will not be any cold spots or hot spots in the room – the heat will be consistent. However, if done incorrectly you end up with cold spots in the room, warped flooring where too much heat is being released, and various other issues.
The cost of a hydronic radiant flooring system can typically be about 50% more than a forced air system. Although it is costly, the benefits are great and will save you more money every year for the life of your home.
Customize Temperature Settings Room To Room
Radiant Heating Zoning Options
One of the reasons people like radiant heating so much, is because heat can be adjusted differently for individual rooms, otherwise known as “zoning", to the temperature that you want in each individual area with a programmable thermostat.
Not only does this allow you to have the ability to customize your comfort room-by-room, but it also converts into significant energy savings and costs. Most forced air heating systems only have a single thermostat that sets the temperature the same for every room because they are inherently expensive and difficult to zone.
Essential Components of Hydronic Heating Systems
Key Elements of Efficient Hydronic Heating Systems
All Heating systems are composed of three essential parts: a heat source, a heat distribution system, and a control system; and every hydronic heating system will require the following devices to heat a home:
- Boiler System: Heats the liquid circulating through the system.
- Heat Conductor: Typically water or a water-glycol mix for efficient heat transfer.
- Manifold: Controls water flow and temperature to various zones.
- PEX Tubing: Flexible piping that distributes heated liquid throughout the system.
- Heat Exchangers: Components like baseboard heaters or in-floor systems that transfer heat to the room.
- Pump: Maintains consistent circulation of the heated liquid.
Slab Heating Installation for Radiant Floors
Professional Slab Heating Installation in Calgary & Airdrie
A slab heating system works by simply radiating heat upwards from the concrete floor. Tubes that circulate water heated from a boiler system are installed in the concrete slab when it is poured, turning the thermal mass of concrete into an unseen, silent radiator the produces warm even heat.
The advantages of installing a hydronic slab heating system include:
- The temperature is easily controlled, consistent, and can have different zoning areas
- You don’t feel drafts or hear the sound of blowing air
- No allergens or dust get distributed throughout your home through air vents
- Slab heating consumes less energy than convection heating to achieve the same level of comfort
- Water is a better conductor of heat than air, which in turn heats up areas faster.
KaiTech Plumbing & Heating specializes in slab heating installation in Calgary and Airdrie, working closely with homebuilders and contractors. Whether you're building a new home, garage, or workshop, slab radiant heating provides a reliable and cost-effective way to heat your space from the ground up.
Poor Heat Transfer
Cost-Efficient Heat Transfer
Adequate Heat Transfer
Installation Completed By Others
Adequate Heat Transfer
Cost-Efficient Heat Transfer
Adequate Heat Transfer
Installation Completed By Others
Cost-Efficient Heat Transfer
Cost-Efficient Heat Transfer
Cost-Efficient Heat Transfer
Installation Completed By KaiTech Plumbing & Heating
Retrofit Radiant Heating for Renovations
Radiant Heating Upgrades & Retrofits
Planning a home renovation? It's the perfect time to upgrade with a radiant heating system. KaiTech Plumbing & Heating provides retrofit radiant heating solutions for basements, bathrooms, garages, and entire floors—without needing to overhaul your existing HVAC system.
We use ultra-slim, efficient hydronic systems designed for minimal disruption. Retrofit radiant heating is an ideal choice for homeowners in Calgary and Airdrie who want increased comfort, energy efficiency, and improved resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiant Floor HEating
Is Radiant In-Floor Heating Energy Efficient in Calgary’s Climate?
Yes, hydronic radiant heating is highly energy efficient and well-suited for Calgary and Airdrie’s cold winters. It uses lower water temperatures and provides consistent, even warmth.
Can I install Radiant Heating in an Existing Home?
Absolutely. Retrofit radiant heating is ideal for renovations, including basements, bathrooms, and garages.
How Long Do Hydronic Heating Systems Last?
With proper installation and maintenance, radiant floor heating systems can last over 30 years. Boilers typically have a lifespan of 15–20 years.
What Type of Boiler Works Best with Radiant Floor Heating?
High-efficiency condensing boilers are commonly used. We’ll help you choose the right size and model for your specific home and radiant system.
Radiant Garage & Workshop Heater Installations
Natural Gas Tube Heater Installations
Radiant garage heaters work by heating objects such as furniture, vehicles, and work benches. Unlike forced air garage heating units that lose heat as soon as an overhead door is opened, they are the most cost-effective heating system to run in a workshop or garage as they don’t have to reheat the entire area to maintain a comfortable working environment.
Radiant garage heaters can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity, and come in several makes and models.