The Best Heating System for Homes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a relatively humid climate that is subject to wide temperature fluctuations throughout the year that make summers boiling and winters freezing.

As a result, it’s important to find the best heating system for Pennsylvania homes, and there’s none that can compete with the efficiency of radiant floor heating.

What is Radiant Heating? How Does it Work?

Radiant heating systems use radiant energy to create and spread heat in a space in order to heat objects and people rather than the air. These are “invisible” systems, usually installed under the flooring, that can be installed under baseboards and walls to heat the inside of homes.

However, there are two types of radiant heating you should know about—electric and hydronic—and while the source of the heat varies, the general method is the same: 

Electricity or hot water runs through the system (electrical cables or flexible tubing, respectively), to heat the floors first, which then radiates up and sends electromagnetic waves around the space until they hit an obstacle. 

When this happens, the waves heat the space efficiently and evenly. 

Types of Radiant Heating

Now that we know how radiant heating works, let’s explore the two types of radiant heating systems:

Electric Radiant Heat

Electric radiant heating consists of electrical cables or mats installed under the floor. With these systems, electrical currents travel through the wires to create heat. 

Hydronic Radiant Heat

Hydronic systems are composed of flexible PEX (polyethylene) tubing installed under the floor. It is connected to a hot water boiler, which boils the water and then pumps it into the tubing, where it can heat the space.

Comparing the Two Types of Systems

While both systems offer effective heating, you must understand the differences to choose the best heating system for your needs.

Efficiency and Cost

Hydronic systems are considered more energy-efficient, but can take longer to heat up. They are also more expensive to install and aren’t a great choice for existing homes.

The energy efficiency of electrical systems depends largely on how you set them up and use them. The right setup can also help with the cost, but how much you spend also largely depends on the cost of electricity in your area.

Installation

Hydronic systems aren’t just more expensive to install; they are also more complicated and require a professional. They also aren’t a good option to install in existing homes, and are better for new construction. Hydronic systems are thicker, so it is important to be mindful of floor heights while installing them, which is part of why it is best for new builds.

Electric radiant heating is easier to install and can be done as a DIY project, excluding any electrical work that requires a certified electrician. These systems are a perfect option for new and existing homes and are thin enough that there is no concern about floor heights.

Advantages of Radiant Heating in Pennsylvania

Radiant heating has many advantages, which is another reason why it’s the best heating system for Pennsylvania. For example:

Energy-Efficient

Radiant heating is a more energy-efficient form of heating; the way it works allows it to heat at lower temperatures than traditional heating options. It also works with Smart thermostats to set schedules and zones, which is an extremely energy-efficient setup that can save you hundreds on your heating bill.

Even and Consistent Heating

Many traditional heating options heat the air, which results in uneven heating and cold spots. Radiant heating heats objects, not the air, so you get consistent and even heat without cold spots.

Better Air Quality

Forced air systems are very common, but they can aggravate allergies and asthma by blowing dust and allergens around. Radiant heating doesn’t rely on air, so there is no agitating dust and allergens, so it is a cleaner, healthier system for those with respiratory issues.

An “Invisible” System

Both types of radiant heating are hidden from view and are usually installed under the floor. While a hydronic system requires a boiler, electric systems only have a thermostat visible. This means you have more usable space. It is also significantly quieter, so the only sign it’s there is the room’s warmth.

Where to Install Radiant Heating

One of the great things about radiant heating is that you can install it anywhere. Some of the best places for Pennsylvania residents to consider installing radiant heating include:

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a given; nobody likes stepping on cold tiles, especially in the winter. A radiant heating system will keep your bathroom at the perfect temperature, so there is no discomfort when you step out of the shower.

Kitchens

Like bathrooms, kitchens are another great space for radiant heating. Even when you use the oven, your kitchen floors can be uncomfortably cold. Radiant heating eliminates the cold and creates a comfortable area to spend time and cook.

Bedrooms

Radiant heating in a bedroom will create the perfect relaxed atmosphere in which to fall asleep. You can create a zone to ensure it is at your preferred bedtime temperature and ready by the time you are climbing into bed.

Roofs and Gutters

With the snow and ice that Pennsylvania can get during the winter, installing electric radiant heating on your roof and gutters is one of the best things you can do for your home. Radiant heating will prevent snow and ice from accumulating on your roof or gutters, which can lead to serious problems.

Driveways and Walkways

Like with roofs, radiant heating in your driveway can ensure these areas stay clear of snow and ice. This eliminates the need to shovel, an exhausting task that can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. 

Warmup Has The Best Heating System For Pennsylvania

Warmup is one of the leading manufacturers of electric radiant heating systems, and  they offer a wide range of products, including:

Floor Heating Systems

For floor heating, Warmup has cable and mat systems available. Their DCM-PRO cable can be installed loosely or with the DCM-PRO anti-fracture membrane, the only UL-approved membrane system in North America. The system uses advanced technology, offers the highest heating outputs, and can work with virtually all floor coverings, with the membrane system designed to help protect tiled surfaces from damage. The In-Slab Cable system is designed to be installed on concrete floors, to provide optimal heat outposts that work with any floor finish.

For mat systems, they offer the StickyMat and Foil Heater. Both are extremely thin and add virtually no height to the floor. The pre-spaced cables make them easy to install with any floor covering. The Foil Heater is best for floating floors and carpets, can be installed easily, and is an especially good option for irregularly shaped rooms. 

These systems are compatible with the 6iE and Terra WiFi Smart thermostats, which offer advanced technology like weather-based Early Start and SmartGeo to help create an energy-efficient system. You can also use these systems to set schedules and zones to help save on your utility bill. 

Snow Melting Systems

For snow melting, there are Warmup snow-melting cables and mats. You can install these systems under concrete, asphalt, or pavers in any pattern you like on your driveway or walkway. These connect to one of their snow melting controls, like the SNOPRO-100 Series, which will work with all of your electric radiant heating systems, including the driveway, walkways, roof, and gutters.

For the roof and gutters, there are self-regulating cables, which have a very high heat output to protect your roof from snow and ice. These are installed along the roof line and gutter to help keep water flowing away from the area and your home.

Keeping Warm in Pennsylvania with Warmup

Because of Pennsylvania’s varying temperatures, having a quality heating system is important. For the most efficient system possible, there is no denying that radiant heating is the best heating system for Pennsylvania homes.  

Radiant heating systems provide efficient, even heating without aggravating allergies or needing unsightly equipment.

Better yet, there are also options for the outdoors that can keep your roof, driveway, and gutters clear of snow and ice, which can eliminate winter chores and safety risks. 

Contact Warmup today to learn more about their various electric radiant heating systems and discover which is best for you!