What Are the Benefits of a Hydronic Heating System?

If you’re like some of us, perhaps you’ve been quietly ignoring your old, outdated, or poorly maintained heating system; one that’s in dire need of replacement.

But now, the nights are getting just that little bit too cold to ignore.

With Autumn well and truly here and winter on the way, there’s never been a better time to reassess your heating needs and make a decision on the best heating option for your home.

While multiple possibilities exist for homeowners in Victoria – including gas/electric heaters, reverse-cycle air conditioners, ducted heating, hydronic heating, and beyond – we’re going to spend some time today taking a look at one system gaining popularity at a vast rate in Victoria:

Hydronic heating

Hydronic heating is a supremely safe, comfortable and energy-efficient heating option that uses water to distribute heat throughout a building. While it actually borrows from relatively old, legacy technology that’s been in use since the time of the ancient Romans, there’s a reason for its longevity.

Having entered the contemporary world, hydronic heating matches tried-and-true systems with the very best of contemporary innovation to offer you a heating system that’s one of the best in the world.

In this article, we’ll take a look at its main benefits.

1. Is hydronic heating energy-efficient?

One of the major benefits of a hydronic heating system is its 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.

What’s more, it’s estimated that hydronic heating systems can save households up to $1,500 per year in energy costs compared to other heating systems.

And you could even go one step further!

By combining a new solar PV panel system (plus battery storage) with a hydronic heating system (perhaps even driven by a heat pump), you can potentially save a significant amount of money on energy bills, even earning money from the power you store and export.

Of course, the actual savings will depend on various factors specific to your home and energy usage patterns. If you’re keen to know more, feel free to contact our solar specialists today on 1300 137 567 and we can help answer all your questions.

2. Is hydronic heating safe and healthy?

From many different angles, hydronic heating systems are also beneficial for health. 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.

What’s more, according to 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.

3. Does hydronic heating cost a lot?

Hydronic heating systems are also cost-effective. They are more expensive to install than some other heating systems, but they are 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.

As we’ve mentioned previously, it’s reported that hydronic heating systems can save households up to $1,500 per year in energy costs. Customers who pair their hydronic system with solar PV panels plus battery storage can even start earning money from the excess power they generate, store and export – yep, you read correctly!

If you’re interested in knowing more about making a handful of super-easy but super-smart decisions regarding the energy-efficiency and long-term value-add of your home, we can help you strategise.

Check out our Virtual Power Plant offer with Simply Energy here, or give our friendly team a call today on 1300 137 567.

4. Is hydronic heating versatile?

Hydronic heating systems are a supremely versatile heating option and can be used in a range of different settings, both residential and commercial. They 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.

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). Extraordinary!

5. Is hydronic heating comfortable?

Hydronic heating systems provide a high level of comfort. Unlike air-based heating systems, which 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.

6. Does hydronic heating look okay?

Thankfully, given all of their incredible benefits, Hydronic heating systems are also 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 taking up valuable floor or wall space, fitting seamlessly into the design of a given room, home or space.

Wrapping up

The benefits of hydronic heating systems are numerous, with incredibly energy-efficient systems now more accessible, cost-effective and technologically advanced than ever before.

But is a hydronic heating system right for you?

With over 15 years of incredible HVAC leadership and expertise, we’re here to help you decide – no question is too big or small! Get in touch today.

Discover our Learning Centre to read more about the heating options available to you, or give our expert team a call today on 1300 137 567.

We can’t wait to chat with you.