There are many heating options for garages today-thanks to modern technology.
You could be weighing between going for radiant heating and forced air systems.
So, Is Radiant Heat Better Than Forced Air for The Garage?
Yes. The garage area usually demands less attention. The type of heating system that goes in there, therefore, should be the one that demands little or no attention. That has to be a radiant heating system. All you need to do is lay down the electric cables and your garage temperatures come under absolute control.
In this article, we have compiled a list of reasons why a radiant heating system is ideal for the garage and not forced air.
We have also added a guide to help you during installation.
What Is the Difference Between Radiant Heat and Forced Heat?
While radiant heat is provided by electric cables under the garage floor, forced air is usually provided by HVAC systems that help to control the temperature of the room by forcing air in and out of the room.
For radiant heating, the electric cables provide heat which, in turn, warms the garage floor.
Other parts of the garage receive this heat through radiation where heat moves upwards all over the building.
A combination of convection of heat and infrared waves also adds up to the distribution of heat all over the building.
It is a preferred mode of heating the garage because it ensures a balance of heat throughout the room.
Besides, there is no possibility of having hot spots that other forms have.
HVAC systems are central heating systems that need to be installed in some parts of the garage.
Five Reasons Why Radiant Heat Is Better Than Forced Air in The Garage
1. It Is Energy Efficient
Since the heat source is in direct contact with the floor, this heating system proves to be highly efficient for garages.
Also, it is designed to ensure an even distribution of heat throughout the entire garage.
Additionally, the garage floor can hold heat longer as soon as the garage reaches the desired temperature.
As such, the system only turns off and on less frequently.
Other conventional systems do not have this feature. A radiant heat system, therefore, will save you a lot of cash that other sources would otherwise consume.
2. Radiant Heat System Does Not Require Maintenance
No maintenance is required for a radiant heating system. Unlike its counterparts like HVAC forced heating systems, you do not have to worry about changing filters and replacing mechanical parts.
3. It Aids in Snow Control
Living in an area that is often rocked by snow can be tricky.
Bringing snow under control can be a lot of stress. Radiant heating allows you to heat only the floor of the garage and not the air, like in other systems.
This ensures that evaporation of moisture from the floor is made efficient without leaving water on it. It leaves a dry, safe floor.
4. It Is a Discreet Heating System
Installation of radiant heating system is a simple and low profile work.
Electric cables are simply laid down before concrete is poured on them.
Even during a remodel, you won’t have to worry about having to execute laborious work. All you need to do is add a little floor onto it and you are good to go.
If you are carrying out a garage floor remodel, 2” of new concrete is a recommended thickness.
The fact that the cables are buried beneath the floor makes them very discreet. Besides, there are no noise-making fans that would equally take up a lot of space.
5. Radiant Heater Is Cheap
Cost is usually the primary consideration when implementing projects.
The same applies to heating systems for your garage.
You want to invest in an affordable but equally efficient heating system that will give you’re the value for your money.
Radiant heating systems are relatively less expensive when compared with other systems.
Just not to mention that it is combined with a smart thermostat system to allow smart regulation of garage temperatures whenever it is needed.
Six Radiant Heating Installation Tips for Your Garage
1. Determine The Garage Floor Heating Requirements
The energy requirements of your garage are a primary factor to look into.
The amount and number of cables that will go in there are dictated by the enormity of energy required to heat the garage.
Here is a blueprint to help you get this right:
- Determine the area of the garage floor
- Multiply this area by 0.9
- Estimate the average wattage of electricity required by multiplying the result by 12
2. Installing On an Existing Garage Floor
If you want to add a radiant heating system to an already existing garage floor, the same procedure applies.
However, only 2” of concrete is to be poured on top of the new radiant heating cables.
The procedure can be intricate and requires an expert to handle it properly.
3. You Can Extend Radiant Heating onto The Driveway
If you live in regions rocked by ice and snow most parts of the year, it is a good idea to extend radiant heating to the driveway.
It will help clear off ice and snow paving way for your car into the garage.
4. Seal and Insulate Properly
Newer and modern homes do not have a problem with insulation since most designers require that doors, windows, walls, and ceilings are insulated.
If your home is an old model, however, you have to check on these spots to make sure that they are properly insulated.
Air leakages into the garage can compromise radiant heating. So make sure that it is properly insulated.
5. Invest in Heating-Compatible Flooring Materials
This applies to both concrete laid on the floor and the paint. Make sure that they are heat compatible.
They should not, interfere with the radiation of heat from the cables.
6. Seek Professional Installation Advice
Unless you are an expert in radiant heating systems installations, satisfying results can be achieved by hiring an expert in the field.
Even if they are to guide you and give you installation advice, it is worth doing.
An expert advising you on the choicest flooring materials, quantity, and appropriate installation steps.
Why Forced Air Heating Systems May Not Be Ideal for Garages
Forced air heating systems are not entirely poor heating choices.
They are ideal for living rooms and other places in the hope but the garage.
The garage is usually jammed up with water, especially in polar countries.
You want to make sure that there is enough space in the garage and a heating system that takes up a lot of space is the last option.
HVAC systems usually take up space where they are installed.
Besides, they require frequent maintenance which is not ideal for the garage area.
Final Words
When choosing between installing force air and radiant heating system for your garage, you got to choose the latter.
Cost is what you should keep in mind.
The efficiency of the system is also very important. Hopefully, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
