What Are Radiant Panels?

2 July

What are Radiant Panels?

In some ways, a radiant panel is similar to a radiator. They are, simply put, large pieces of metal that heat your room. However, the efficiency, comfort and reliability of a radiant panel means that they are fast becoming the go-to choice of new buildings, and renovations alike.

The innovation behind radiant panels lies in their unique infrared heating. They emit electromagnetic radiation which is absorbed by surfaces and people in a room. These warmer objects then radiate the heat back into the room. This creates a more comfortable and controllable atmosphere than a regular radiator, which just heats the air and slowly spreads. Don’t worry that objects in rooms will get warmer, they absorb and reflect the lightwaves instead of absorbing the heat entirely. So your desk will not suddenly being scoldingly hot to the touch, or things suddenly start melting at room temperature. The efficiency of the movement of heat around the room using infrared radiation keeps objects temperate and the room temperature comfortable.

Is Infrared Radiation dangerous?

No. The sentence “your body gets warmed up by radiation” may raise an eyebrow but the principle is the same as standing near a fire to warm up: the transfer of heat from one warm object to a cooler one.

What are the benefits of radiant panels?

Constructors and manufacturers are starting to realise the many advantages radiant panels have over more traditional heating methods.

Efficiency. Heating air is wasteful and uses a lot of energy. With radiant panels directly heating objects and people in the room, there is far less energy being wasted. This also eliminates the problem of having hot and cold areas in the same room due to positioning of the units.

Installation. Radiant panels are relatively easy to install, and are often mounted on ceilings, floors, or walls. This has the added benefit of freeing up some space in the room which are no longer occupied by bulky radiators or heaters.

Silence. As there’s no needs for fans or air-force systems, a radiant panel is virtually silent. Perfect for spaces where noise is unwanted.

Durability. Because of the lack of fans and moving parts, there’s nothing on a radiant panel that can wear out or freeze up, so not only are they incredibly durable, they require very little maintenance.

Where to put radiant panels?

You will find radiant panels in a number of settings across various industries and sectors. For any new build, be it private or public, they are a consideration for the needs of those within.

Hotels. Because of their noiseless qualities, radiant panels are ideal for bedrooms in hotels, offering efficient heating systems that respond to the contents in the room with no disturbances for the guests. Ever been kept up by rattling radiators or noisy fans? No issues in a hotel with radiant panels. The silent attributes are also beneficial to museums, libraries, religious buildings, anything where noise is a concern.

Sports Centres. Radiant panels are being found more and more in sports and leisure centres owing to their excellent zone control. They can be completely customised to keep one area warm and one area cool, allowing different sports and activities to take place in optimum conditions. They are also found on outdoor stadiums, keeping particular external areas temperate, such as dugouts and concourses.

Factories. Radiators are inefficient and weak when it comes to heating large, open spaces such as factories or warehouses. Radiant panels heat large areas effectively and efficiently, making the working environment pleasant and manageable.

Healthcare. Hospitals are a big user of radiant panels due to their importance in making people comfortable in sometimes unfamiliar environments. We see a lot of new hospital builds request radiant panels right off the bat, having seen their success in previous projects of a similar nature.

Commercial. For places like hospitals and schools, as well as shopping malls and cinemas, radiant panels are a cost-effective piece of kit that will result in comfortable patrons and spotless aesthetics. Their low maintenance and long lifespan will result in less being spent on repairs and replacement and will create a piece of mind that the whole system works well, for longer.

Residential. It’s not just the working environment where radiant panels are optimal. As well as being perfect for office blocks, they’re also ideal for the home office of the remote workers. An uncomfortable office at work or at home is a hindrance to your productivity, and some radiant panels will make any working environment a suitable climate. Not just in the home office though, they’re also fantastic for bedrooms and lounges and anywhere in your home where you just want to relax. No noise, no lost floor or wall space, just a pleasant environment.

Hydronic Radiant Panels

There are two main types of radiant panel and at FloControl we’re interested in hydronic radiant panels. Instead of using electricity to heat up, hydronic panels use hot water or steam to heat up the panel. The water circulates round the pipes in the panel and produces heat, which is transferred to the radiant panel, allowing it to emit infrared radiation.

This requires valves to operate and our set of radiant panel valves are as easy to install and as durable as the radiant panels themselves. You only need to pick from two valves: the FloSet® RPmini, or the FloSet® RP80. Both come with a patented pressure independent radiator valve – the Gampper Vario-DP.

Summary

In conclusion, a radiant panel is superior to a traditional heating system in almost every way – long-lasting, efficient, durable, noiseless, dependable, reliable, and user-friendly. We recommend the hydronic radiant panels and can help you get your radiant panels to full working order with our innovative FloSet® RP80 and FloSet® RPmini valve sets. If you have a project that calls for effective and efficient zone heating, get in touch.

Faqs

What are radiant panels used for?

Radiant panels are used to heat spaces by warming objects and people directly, making them ideal for silent, energy-efficient room heating.

How do radiant heating panels work?

Radiant heating panels use infrared radiation to transfer heat to surfaces and bodies in the room, unlike radiators which only heat air.

Are radiant heat panels energy-efficient?

Yes, radiant heat panels are highly efficient because they minimise energy loss by targeting objects instead of the surrounding air.

What is panel heating in modern buildings?

What is panel heating? It’s a heating method using radiant wall, floor, or ceiling panels that emit infrared heat for optimal room temperature.

Where are radiant heater panels best installed?

Radiant heater panels can be installed on ceilings, walls, or floors and are especially useful in hotels, hospitals, factories, and offices.

What is the cold radiant panel market?

The cold radiant panel market refers to non-electrical radiant panels (hydronic) used in eco-friendly and sustainable building projects.

Are there different types of radiant panels?

Yes, there are radiant panel types including electric and hydronic radiant panels, each with different installation and energy profiles.

Can radiant heating panels be used at home?

Absolutely! Radiant heating panel systems are great for home offices, bedrooms, and living rooms, offering quiet and consistent warmth.

Is a flooring radiant panel apparatus available?

Yes, you can install a flooring radiant panel apparatus beneath floor surfaces for discreet and even heating throughout the space.

Do radiant heat panels require special valves?

Radiant heat panels, especially hydronic ones, require compatible valves like FloSet® RPmini or RP80 for optimal flow and pressure control.