Radiant Heating: A Different Kind of Warmth
Radiant heating systems warm spaces differently than forced-air systems — by warming surfaces directly rather than heating and distributing air. The radiant energy emitted from warm floors, walls, or panels then warms objects and people in the space through direct radiation and convection. Many Waukesha County homeowners who experience radiant heat describe it as the most comfortable form of home heating available: even, draft-free warmth that feels natural and luxurious.
Types of Radiant Heating Systems
Radiant Floor Heating (Hydronic)
Hot water radiant floor heating — often called hydronic in-floor heating — circulates heated water through flexible tubing installed beneath the floor surface. A boiler heats the water, which travels through loops of PEX tubing embedded in a concrete slab, between subfloor layers, or in thin concrete topping applied over existing subfloor.
Best for: New construction or major renovation projects where subfloor installation is feasible; concrete slab homes; tile and stone flooring where the system's slow response time is acceptable
Advantages: Even floor-to-ceiling warmth; no cold spots or drafts; highly efficient when paired with a condensing boiler; compatible with solar or heat pump water heating
Radiant Floor Heating (Electric)
Electric in-floor heating uses resistance heating cables or mats installed beneath floor tiles or other flooring materials. Most commonly used as supplemental heating in bathrooms and kitchens rather than as a whole-home primary heating system, due to the operating cost of electric resistance heating.
Best for: Bathroom and kitchen supplemental comfort; small renovations; situations where hydronic installation isn't practical
Radiant Baseboard Heaters (Hydronic)
Hot water baseboard systems circulate heated water through copper fin-tube elements inside low-profile baseboard enclosures. Common throughout Milwaukee's older housing stock and an effective, relatively low-cost form of radiant heating when connected to a well-maintained boiler.
Radiant Panels (Wall or Ceiling)
Electric or hydronic panels mounted on walls or ceilings that emit radiant heat. Less common in residential applications but practical for specific situations such as supplemental heating in rooms with limited floor or wall space for other heating methods.
Is Radiant Heating Right for Your Home?
Hydronic in-floor heating is best evaluated during major construction or renovation — retrofitting into an existing home with finished floors is costly. For homes already served by boiler/radiator or hydronic baseboard systems, upgrading the boiler and optimizing the existing distribution system may offer the best value in comfort and efficiency improvement.
Radiant Heating Service from Burkhardt
Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric services hydronic radiant and baseboard heating systems throughout Waukesha County and the Milwaukee area. Our experienced heating technicians understand these systems and provide knowledgeable service and installation guidance. With 60+ years as a family-owned Milwaukee-area company, we bring genuine radiant heating expertise to every project. Call 414-206-3049 to discuss radiant heating for your home. GreenSky financing is available for qualifying work, and we're available 24/7 for heating emergencies.
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