What is a hydronic heating system?

Webster's defines hydronics as “of, relating to, or being a system of heating or cooling that involves transfer of heat by a circulating fluid (as water or vapor) in a closed system of pipes”.

If you live with a hydronic heating system, you might define it as comfortable or efficient, or quiet, or all three.

It can be as simple as a 1950's system consisting of a cast iron water boiler and simple finned tube baseboard radiators. It can be “old school” hydronics like a 1920's one-pipe steam system with cast iron standing radiators. Or it can be a modern, state-of-the art high-efficiency system consisting of a modulating, condensing boiler and radiant panels.

It's luxurious comfort. But if you've ever lived with a hydronic heating system, you already know that.

Using water or steam as the medium to transfer heat from the source (boiler) to the living space is an incredibly efficient and versatile system. Unlike forced air heating systems, very little heat is lost in the delivery process. And with a radiant hydronic system, that heat is delivered directly to the objects and occupants in the room.

Hydronic heat can be used with traditional cast iron radiators or copper finned tube baseboard, modern panel radiators, radiant floors, radiant ceilings (yes, ceilings!) and walls, towel warmers, and much more. Modern controls provide energy conservation through zoning and outdoor reset control and added comfort with indoor reset and floor sensors. It can also provide almost unlimited quantities of domestic hot water for showers, laundry, and other household uses.

While the official definition is all about water, I think it's really all about comfort.