What are radiant heating panels and how do they differ from traditional heating strategies?
Surface-mounted electric radiant ceiling panels provide heating through radiant heat transfer. People are warmed directly, similar to how they are warmed by the sun on a cool day. Research shows that radiant heat panels can provide energy savings because only occupied areas are heated. Radiant panels can be used to provide supplementary or zoned heat, or they can be used as the primary source of heating for an entire building. Radiant ceiling panels typically consist of a high-density fiberglass insulation board, a solid-state heating element, and a textured surface coating mounted in a frame. Panels are usually 1-inch thick, range in size between 1 x 2 and 4 x 8 feet, and are powered by a 120 or 240-Volt household electrical current. Panels typically operate at a temperature range of 150° to 170°F.
