Through the power of warm water, your home can be effortlessly and effectively heated to the perfect temperature. Hydronic heating utilises a gas boiler or heat pump to heat water and funnel it through a network of piping to each room of the home. From here, it’s radiated out into the room beyond for a comfortable level of warmth. In homes where underfloor installation is not an option, panel radiators or trenches are a viable alternative. Heated towel rails are also available, ensuring toasty warm towels!
Known for being attractive, stylish, and energy efficient, a hydronic heating system is a perfect choice for any home.
Hydronic heating circulates heated water around the home through a network of sealed pipes. The heat from the water in the pipes radiates out into the room and the now returning cooler water is circulated back to the heat source for reheating.
Thermostats are often used to create different heating zones within the home (such as bedrooms and living areas) that can even be programmed to turn on and off at different times of day.
Traditional heating systems utilise fans or vents to blow warm air into the room, which can result in uncomfortable drafts and cold spots. As hydronic heating warms the objects in the room rather than the air itself, the result is an even distribution of comfortable heat.
With an array of options to choose from, there is sure to be a system that suits your type and size of the home, not to mention your individual taste, needs, usage requirements, and budget.
Condensing units perform at 97-108% efficiency.
Save up to 20% on ongoing heating costs
Even Heat throughout the room
Just a professional service every 1-3 years
Use up to 70% less energy for reduced emissions
No air movement means less dust and allergens
Heat is evenly dispersed from floor to ceiling
No noisy fans - you won't even know it's on
Yes, this is actually one of the safest options for keeping your home warm (providing it's serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines). The warm water used in these systems is well below boiling point and surface areas (such as panel radiators and towel rails) never get hot enough to burn or scald if touched. Unlike ducted heating, there aren’t any electrical connections, which reduces the risk to safety even further.
One of the biggest health benefits is that these systems don't utilise any fans, vents, or ducts to move heat around the home. This means that dust mites, pollens, pet and human dander, fungal spores, and other airborne pollutants are kept to a minimum (providing relief for asthma and allergy sufferers and inhibiting potential mould growth). Dirty air ducts and vents can also cause headaches, respiratory issues, general lethargy, and skin rashes (such as eczema).
Yes! It can offer a 'thermal efficiency' up to 95% (compared to forced air systems, which tend to be below 50%) and scores some extra energy efficiency points when used in combination with a condensing boiler (which extracts heat that would otherwise escape via water vapour) or a heat pump (which draws in heat from the natural environment around it). Many people report lower energy bills after installing a hydronic system.
No! In fact, these systems can be up to 35% more cost effective to operate in comparison to more traditional ducted heating. The initial installation costs can be higher, but the ongoing running costs are lower, and the system will quickly pay for itself in savings. The installation costs will also depend on several factors, including the size of your home, which hydronic products you plan to use, whether it’s a new build or a retrofit, and what type of flooring you have.
Yes, it can definitely be added to an existing home if desired. There may be some different installation techniques recommended (such as a slimline in screed system, trench heating, or panel radiators), but hydronic heating can generally be retrofitted with minimal fuss. If you want to upgrade your home's heating system or are undertaking a renovation, we recommend speaking with us about your options sooner rather than later.
This question is the cause of some debate, but realistically there are benefits to both types of system and it generally comes down to a matter of personal preference. While the installation of hydronic heating in Melbourne does pose a bigger investment, it comes out on top in terms of health and safety, running costs, and ongoing expenses. We recommend speaking with one of our helpful team members to help you reach a final decision for your home.
Yes, you can integrate hydronic heating systems with renewable energy sources to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. One popular option is combining hydronic heating with solar thermal panels, which harness the sun's energy to heat water circulated through the system. Additionally, geothermal heat pumps can be integrated with hydronic home heating, utilising the stable temperature of the earth to heat water for distribution throughout your home. These renewable energy solutions not only reduce your reliance on fossil fuels but also offer long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. By integrating hydronic heating with renewable energy sources, you can enjoy efficient and eco-friendly home heating while contributing to a greener future.
Electric hydronic heating systems are renowned for their low maintenance requirements, making them an attractive choice for homeowners seeking hassle-free heating solutions. Typically, maintenance tasks for electric hydronic systems are minimal. Regular cleaning of radiators or convectors to remove dust and debris ensures efficient heat transfer, while periodic checks of controls and thermostats guarantee optimal functionality. With these straight forward maintenance measures, hydronic heating systems offer reliable warmth without the need for extensive upkeep, providing peace of mind for homeowners year-round.
There are a few different types of hydronic heating system to choose from, including:
Perfect for all flooring types. If you're building the home of your dreams, add underfloor heating to your list of must-haves. Laid in concrete slabs, it can be used under all the most popular types of flooring - including timber and tiles, carpet and stone - without the heat causing any damage to your material of choice.
Ideal for pre-existing homes, hydronic radiators are the perfect choice for those who want to take advantage of everything that slab heating has to offer without ripping up their floors. Slim and unobtrusive panels are mounted to the wall in each room that you’re heating, warming your home to your desired temperature through pipes in your roof or flooring.
The best of both worlds, combining underfloor and radiator systems is the ideal choice for multi-level houses. Use invisible underfloor heating on your ground floor and attractive radiators throughout the rest of your home. Using this method, you can create a unique combination of heating systems that suit your architectural constraints.
The perfect alternative to underfloor slab heating, trench systems are similar to radiators in that water is heated by the boiler before being passed through to your unit. Offering quiet operation and available in timber and aluminium, these attractive canals can suit any space and are compatible with any type of flooring, from carpet to tiles.