Pros And Cons Of Radiant Ceiling Panels For Heating Your Home Or Office
Posted on: 13 October 2016
Radiant ceiling panels provide a type of heat that feels natural like sunlight. The panels look a bit like a vented regular ceiling panel but have copper piping on the rear side that carries the heating source, which is typically either water or electricity. Radiant heating panels have positives and negatives that can determine whether they are the right heating choice for your office or home. You should always discuss your options in further detail with an HVAC contractor in your area, such as Action Appliance Services.
Pro: Easy to Install with Small Footprint
Radiant ceiling panels install in the ceiling, which is simple if your home or office has a drop ceiling with panels that lift out. The radiant ceiling panel can simply drop into the place where the ceiling panel was located. Even if your installer needs to cut into a drywall or plaster ceiling to install the panel, the installation process is still much simpler than installing a whole ducted furnace system.
The slim build of the radiant panel also means it doesn't require a lot of overhead clearance so you won't have to worry if your drop ceiling is fairly close to the real ceiling. The installation method also means the panel won't stick out unattractively and create an eyesore on the ceiling.
Pro: Energy Efficient (When Used Correctly)
Radiant heating panels only provide a small amount of heating to the area directly under the panel. The panels are energy efficient due to this limited functionality, which is a positive if you have installed the panel correctly and have reasonable expectations.
If you are trying to heat a large room with the panel, the energy efficiency will drop and you also won't achieve your goal regardless. Use the panels only in areas where you need targeted heat, such as a small office or any area where heat is lost through poorly insulated windows, and you will have a happy and energy efficient experience.
Con: Heat Rises
Radiant ceiling panels are easier to install than radiant flooring panels but have a clear disadvantage: heat naturally rises. Nature will work against the heat's attempts at coming down towards your living or work area. That doesn't mean you won't have heat, but the ceiling panels might prove less energy efficient and effective than radiant floor panels.
If energy efficiency is your primary concern, or you need more heat than the ceiling panel would provide, ask your HVAC service company for a quote on floor panels. The installation will prove more complicated and costly but might give you a better tailored heating experience.
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