Most radiant cooling home applications in North America have been based on
aluminum panels suspended from the ceiling, through which chilled water is circulated.
To be effective, the panels must be maintained at a temperature very near the dew
point within the house, and the house must be kept dehumidified. In humid climates,
simply opening a door could allow enough humidity into the home to allow
condensation to occur.
The panels cover most of the ceiling, leading to high capital expense for the systems.
In all but the most arid locations, an auxiliary air-conditioning system will be required
to keep the home's humidity low, adding further to the capital cost.
Some manufacturers do not recommend their use in homes, while the Radiant Panel
Association suggests they could yield added comfort and energy savings when used in
combination with a central air conditioning system.
In addition, the limited U.S. experience with radiant cooling creates concerns about
the quality and availability of professionals for installation, maintenance, and repair of
a residential system.
Despite these caveats, there may be cases where radiant cooling is appropriate for
homes, particularly in the arid Southwest. Radiant cooling systems have been
embedded in the ceilings of adobe homes, taking advantage of the thermal mass to
provide a steady cooling effect.
aluminum panels suspended from the ceiling, through which chilled water is circulated.
To be effective, the panels must be maintained at a temperature very near the dew
point within the house, and the house must be kept dehumidified. In humid climates,
simply opening a door could allow enough humidity into the home to allow
condensation to occur.
The panels cover most of the ceiling, leading to high capital expense for the systems.
In all but the most arid locations, an auxiliary air-conditioning system will be required
to keep the home's humidity low, adding further to the capital cost.
Some manufacturers do not recommend their use in homes, while the Radiant Panel
Association suggests they could yield added comfort and energy savings when used in
combination with a central air conditioning system.
In addition, the limited U.S. experience with radiant cooling creates concerns about
the quality and availability of professionals for installation, maintenance, and repair of
a residential system.
Despite these caveats, there may be cases where radiant cooling is appropriate for
homes, particularly in the arid Southwest. Radiant cooling systems have been
embedded in the ceilings of adobe homes, taking advantage of the thermal mass to
provide a steady cooling effect.
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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Radiant Cooling
Radiant cooling cools a floor or
ceiling by absorbing the heat
radiated from the rest of the
room.
When the floor is cooled, it is
often referred to as radiant floor
cooling; cooling the ceiling is
usually done in homes with
radiant panels.
Although potentially suitable for
arid climates, radiant cooling is
problematic for homes in more
humid climates.
ceiling by absorbing the heat
radiated from the rest of the
room.
When the floor is cooled, it is
often referred to as radiant floor
cooling; cooling the ceiling is
usually done in homes with
radiant panels.
Although potentially suitable for
arid climates, radiant cooling is
problematic for homes in more
humid climates.
