By: James Meehan

Hydronic heating systems were quite popular in the 1940s and 1950s when Frank Lloyd Wright invented the technology. These heating systems enjoyed a measure of success until they experienced several setbacks, most notably the significant rise in people’s desire for air conditioning. Since the 50s, hydronic heating systems have seen a couple of spikes in demand, but they remain a small portion of the overall heating market. Without a doubt, current statistics reveal forced air systems, not hydronic heating systems, account for the largest percentage of heating systems in the country.

Hydronic heating systems have enjoyed technological improvements recently, which have made them more attractive to homeowners. Though these upgrades have proven effective, still this type heating system only has a 6% market share nationwide. The vast majority of their installations occur in the coldest regions of the country.

There are a number of differences between hydronic heating systems and force air systems. For starters, hydronic systems by circulating hot water while forced air systems push heated air through vents dispersed throughout the residence. The hot water in the hydronic systems provides the basis for heating to occur through baseboards or flooring, usually embedded in concrete slab floors. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the optimum distribution of heat. Studies have revealed these weaknesses and yet show that even today hydronic heating systems are more efficient at heating than are forced air systems.

Currently, the most popular way to install Hydronic heating systems is placing them in the floors of newly constructed homes. The in floor systems offer a great deal to please consumers. First, this is the most cost-efficient way to install this heating system. Second, this method has proven to be the most efficient not only in terms of cost, but also in how the system delivers heat to the home. A final advantage of the in floor hydronic heating system is it can be installed in any flooring a home owner might choose be it wood, tile, stone, or carpet.