I HAVE A RADIATOR FOR MY HEATING.

A hydronic system is a radiant heat system uses hot water or steam that is propelled through pipes to a radiator or in floor system to provide heat to many homes. At YellowBird Services we are experts when it comes to hydronic system repairs or service.

WHAT IS A HYDRONIC SYSTEM?

In the United States most homes are heated with either furnaces or hydronic systems. Hydronic systems produce hot water or steam created by a natural gas, oil, propane or solid-fuel-burning appliance. This hot water or steam is then circulated through pipes to heat-radiating devices in a room. Hot water or steam from the hydronic systems are used heating. Steam is distributed through pipes to steam radiators, and hot water is distributed via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems, or can heat air via a coil. Steam are inherently less efficient because they operate at a higher temperature than hot water systems, but today there are high-efficiency versions of all types of furnaces and hydronic systems available.

There are advantages to hydronic systems that other home comforts systems do not have. First of which is that they use water and water is the best natural material for conducting heat. The temperature of water can be accurately measured and controlled so there is less wasted heat from “over-shooting” the setting on the thermostat. With the improved heat-transfer technology of todays compact hydronic systems, high-efficiency burners and state-of-the-art electronic controls, they are 30-40percent more efficient that systems that were installed just 10 years ago. Old coal burners that were switched over to oil or gas or older, oversized, inefficient systems are prime candidates for replacement. Even some newer systems that are a bit more efficient but are still oversized can be modified to to increase their efficiency and operating capacity.

The efficiency of a hydronic system is measured by its AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.  AFUE measurement shows how efficient the appliance is in the energy it produces and its use of fuel over the course of a typical year. Federal Trade Commission(FTC) requirements state the all new hydronic systems display their AFUE so consumers can compare heating efficiencies of various models.