Simplistic, safe and super eco-friendly, hydronic heating systems heat water and move it through sealed pipes to radiators throughout the home. The sealed system can also be used to heat towel rails, floor slabs, even swimming pools, anywhere where it is needed. While it’s not the most common form heating in Australian homes, it is certainly rising in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Duncan Thompson Extensions are the trusted choice for home extensions in Balwyn and surrounding suburbs, and we often get asked about the best type of heating to warm up a home during the cold Melbourne winter. Hydronic heating provides many benefits, here are just a few of them to help you determine if this type of heating is best for your needs.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Hydronic heating is a natural heating alternative that utilises water and natural gas. Energy usage can be up to 70% less than other methods such as electricity dependent reverse cycle systems. The system is sealed with minimal emissions. Also, even though hydronic heating uses water as a primary component of the system, the closed system means that the water is constantly recycled and recirculated so you don’t actually use much water at all.

Completely sealed with no exposed flames or electrical connections for fire hazards, the water temperature circulates in the system at an adjustable temperature to determine optimum comfort levels in individual rooms. 

It’s Cost-Effective to Run

A Hydronic heating system will cost around 20% less to operate than a ducted system in a house with 2.7m ceilings and homes with higher ceilings will see even greater cost savings of around 30-40%. Despite the initial upfront cost of installation, the cost to operate hydronic heating will leave you without the long-term high running costs.

It’s Highly Efficient

One of the most efficient heating systems currently available on the market today, most hydronic heating systems use gas boilers which achieve efficiency ratings of up to 95 percent. However, it is also possible to use solar to power your boiler, which makes it even cheaper and more efficient to run. Additionally, efficiency can also be improved by the ability to zone the heating so that you warm only the areas you want heated instead of the whole house, and you can use thermostats to keep the temperature at a constant level. 

It Provides a Comfortable Warmth

Emitting a gentle heat that warms your whole house, hydronic heating provides warmth in the same way nature does by natural convection and radiation. It does not dry out the air by burning or causing unpleasant draughts, nor does it create humidity, hot spots or noise. The heat simply radiates up through the floor or out through specially placed radiators and keeps the air at a pleasant temperature all winter long.

It’s a Healthy Heat

As the water is warmed and the heat then radiates through the home, there are no fans required to move the warm air, so it is a totally dust free, allergen free form of heating making it ideal for medical conditions such as asthma and allergies. Ducted central heating systems can be breeding grounds for dust mites, allergens, and bacteria that circulate in the air, however hydronic heating harnesses natural heat convection through pipes eliminating any potential for harmful bacteria to circulate around. 

It Complements Your Interior

Radiator panels are available in a huge range of styles and designs, from period cast iron panels through to cutting edge modern designs which make the panels a feature of the home rather than something you try to hide. Alternatively, you can opt for hydronic floor heating which is completely invisible as all pipe work is hidden within the floor and the heat simply radiates up through the floor coverings.

Completely silent, flexible and comfortable, hydronic heating is an eco-friendly heating solution that is estimated to be up to 35% more cost effective than running a central ducted heating system when using a gas condensing boilers or air-to-water heat pumps.

The team at Duncan Thompson Extensions work collaboratively with our clients to design a home extension that is customised to their individual lifestyle, needs and budget. From heating and cooling to lighting and flooring, every single detail is thoroughly designed and planned to produce a home that exceeds your expectations. To find out more about home extensions in Balwyn, Burwood or any eastern, south eastern or bayside Melbourne suburb, get in touch with us today on (03) 9836 8655 or send us an online enquiry now.