Radiant Heating Systems in Seattle

Keep Your Shoreline Home Warm with In-Floor Heaters

Did you know that in-floor heating systems can be used with virtually any type of flooring? With recent innovations in radiant heating, the flexibility and comfort these systems offer are even more attainable. 

Our Seattle radiant heat specialists are fully trained and licensed and can help you design the radiant in-floor heating system you've always wanted. Since 1977, Northwest Mechanical, Inc. has been a local, family-owned business committed to providing honest, reliable heating services to Seattle, Shoreline, and the surrounding areas.

Are you considering radiant heat for your home? Read our FAQ page to get all the information you need then call our in-floor heating experts at (206) 900-9231 to talk about your options.

How Does Radiant Heating Work?

Unlike forced-air heating systems, your radiant heating system warms your home from the ground up and spreads evenly throughout your home. This is more efficient than forced-air systems that pump hot air into your home. At Northwest Mechanical, Inc., our in-floor heating system utilizes a method called hydronic heating, in which hot water is used as the heat source.

What Are the Benefits of Radiant Heating?

The benefits of radiant heating include:

• Your home is warmed more evenly than with traditional forced-air systems
• Radiant in-floor heating is more energy-efficient
• You don’t have to deal with drafty rooms or cold floors
• Can be used with any flooring
• Can be used in both residential and commercial settings

Radiant heating is especially useful in colder climates, such as ours in the Pacific Northwest. With in-floor heating, you won't be faced with the shock of getting out of bed and stepping onto a cold floor. 

Additionally, because you and the surfaces in your home are warmed directly, you begin to feel more comfortable sooner than when you have to wait for a traditional heating system to fill your rooms with hot air.

Traditional vs. Radiant Heating: What's the Difference? 

When it comes to heating your home or business in the Pacific Northwest, you're faced with a choice between two primary heating systems: traditional forced-air heating and modern radiant heating. 

Each system offers its own set of advantages and considerations. In this section, we'll compare these two heating methods to help you make an informed decision about the best option for your comfort and efficiency needs.

Traditional Forced-Air Heating

• Air as the Medium: Traditional heating systems, such as furnaces and heat pumps, utilize air as the medium to distribute heat. A furnace heats air, which is then blown through a network of ducts and into various rooms via vents.
• Temperature Fluctuations: One drawback of forced-air systems is the potential for temperature fluctuations within a space. As warm air is blown into rooms, it rises, leading to disparities in temperature between the floor and ceiling. This can result in hot and cold spots.
• Airborne Particles: Forced-air systems have the tendency to stir up and distribute dust, allergens, and other particles in the air. This can affect indoor air quality, potentially causing discomfort for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
• Quick Warm-Up: Forced-air systems provide relatively quick warm-up times due to the rapid circulation of heated air. However, maintaining consistent temperatures throughout a space can be challenging.
• Ductwork Requirements: Traditional heating systems rely on ductwork for distribution, which must be properly installed and maintained. Duct leaks or inadequate insulation can lead to energy loss and decreased system efficiency.

Radiant Heating

• Radiant Panels or Flooring: Radiant heating systems employ heated surfaces, such as radiant panels, underfloor heating, or ceiling-mounted panels, to emit infrared radiation. This radiant heat warms objects and surfaces in the room, creating a comfortable and consistent temperature throughout.
• Even and Consistent Heat: Radiant heating excels in providing even and consistent heat distribution. There are no hot or cold spots within a space, and occupants enjoy a uniform level of warmth.
• Improved Air Quality: Radiant heating doesn't rely on blowing air, which reduces the circulation of airborne particles. This can lead to better indoor air quality, making it a preferred choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
• Energy Efficiency: Radiant systems are known for their energy efficiency. Because they heat objects directly, they can maintain comfort with lower thermostat settings, ultimately saving on energy costs.
• Minimal Maintenance: Radiant heating systems typically require less maintenance compared to forced-air systems. There are no ducts to clean or filters to replace regularly.
• Quiet Operation: Radiant heating systems operate quietly, without the noise associated with blower fans in forced-air systems.

The choice between traditional forced-air heating and radiant heating ultimately depends on your unique preferences, budget, and comfort priorities. While forced-air systems offer quick warm-up times, radiant heating excels in providing consistent warmth, improved indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. 

At Northwest Mechanical, Inc., we're here to help you assess your specific needs and provide expert guidance to select the heating system that best suits your home or business in the Pacific Northwest.

Give our team a call at (206) 900-9231 or send us a message online to learn more about radiant heating!