Ah, the now age-old question: Is hydronic heating any good?
As it would turn out, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. It all depends on what you consider to be “good.”
If you’re looking for a heating system that’s energy-efficient, safe and healthy, cost-effective, versatile, comfortable, and aesthetically appealing, then yes, hydronic heating is a fantastic option to consider.
But of course, that’s only one perspective.
You also need to be willing to understand and explore the difference between short-term savings and long-term value-add. You see, while hydronic heating usually involves a higher initial upfront investment cost than other gas/electric systems, you could be saving up to $1,500/year in electricity bill, plus even making money from the energy you generate, store and export if you pair this with a solar PV panel system plus battery storage.
In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into what makes hydronic heating so good, and why it might be the right choice for you.
Hydronic heating and energy efficiency
First off, let’s talk about energy efficiency.
Hydronic heating systems use water to distribute heat, which is more efficient than using air to distribute heat. This is because water has a higher heat capacity than air, which means it can carry more heat energy per unit of volume.
According to a study by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources, hydronic heating systems can be up to 30% more energy-efficient than other heating systems.
And who doesn’t love saving money on their energy bills?
It’s estimated that hydronic heating systems can save households up to $1,500 per year in energy costs compared to other heating systems.
But energy efficiency isn’t the only factor to consider:
The safety and health-conscious nature of hydronic heating systems
Hydronic heating systems are also safe and healthy.
Unlike air-based heating systems, which can circulate dust and allergens around a room, hydronic heating systems don’t create air currents. Instead, they generate a safe, radiant heat that feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t stir up dust and allergens as they lie dormant in the home.
In research conducted by the National Asthma Council Australia, hydronic heating systems are also vastly more suitable for people with various allergies as well as other respiratory and asthma-related diagnoses.
Hydronic heating and cost-effectiveness
Yes, hydronic heating systems are more expensive to install than some other heating systems, but they are vastly cheaper to run in the long term.
This is because they are more energy-efficient than other heating systems, which means that they use less energy and cost less to run. And let’s not forget the potential savings from combining a new solar PV panel system (plus battery storage) with a hydronic heating system (perhaps even driven by a heat pump), which can potentially save you even more money on your energy bills, or even earn you money from the power you store and export.
The bottom line? It’s all about making an upfront investment for long-term savings.
The supreme versatility of hydronic heating systems
Versatility is another factor to consider.
Hydronic heating systems can be used in a range of different settings, both residential and commercial. These kinds of systems can be used in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial settings as well as for the purpose of heating water, which means that if properly and purposefully integrated, they can also be used for hot water as well as heating.
What’s more, hydronic systems driven by a heat pump can also operate in reverse mode, meaning the system can also be utilised for cooling in summer (as well as heating in winter).
Talk about versatility!
Experience ultimate environmental comfort with a brand-new hydronic heating system.
And let’s not forget about comfort.
Hydronic heating systems provide a high level of comfort. Unlike air-based heating systems, which can create air circulation and subsequent hot and cold spots in a room, hydronic heating systems distribute heat evenly throughout a room meaning that each part of a given space sits at the same temperature. This creates the ultimate in comfort for the occupants of your home.
Hydronic heating and aesthetic appeal
Hydronic heating systems are very aesthetically appealing. Unlike air-based heating systems, which require bulky ducts and vents, hydronic heating systems use small pipes that can be hidden in walls and floors. This means that they refrain from.
But is hydronic heating right for me?
To help you answer this question once-and-for-all, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost.
Yes, hydronic heating systems require an upfront investment. And yes, that investment can be quite significant. But as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
In this case, what you’re paying for is a heating system that is not only energy-efficient, safe, healthy, versatile, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, but one that will also save you money in the long run. The energy efficiency of a hydronic heating system means that it uses less energy and costs less to run, which can result in significant savings on your power bills over time.
Like we’ve already discussed, hydronic heating systems can be up to 30% more energy-efficient than other heating systems. And it’s estimated that hydronic heating systems can save households up to $1,500 per year in energy costs compared to other heating systems.
But let’s not forget that the actual savings will depend on various factors specific to your home and energy usage patterns. If you’re serious about exploring the potential cost savings of a hydronic heating system, it’s worth speaking to a specialist who can advise you on the best options for your situation – just give our friendly, award-winning HVAC team a call on 1300 137 567.
It would be amiss of us to talk cost, of course, without then addressing the elephant in the room’s partner in crime: the environment.
By choosing a hydronic heating system, you’re not only making a smart financial decision but also a smart environmental one. By reducing your energy consumption, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Wrapping up
So, is hydronic heating any good?
The answer is a resounding yes!
It’s energy-efficient, safe, healthy, versatile, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly. But whether or not it’s right for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
If you’re willing to make an upfront investment for long-term savings and a more sustainable future, then hydronic heating may be the perfect choice for you.
To find out more, give G Store’s friendly, award-winning HVAC team a call today on 1300 137 567, email them, or read more in our Learning Centre.
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