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A growing number of clean energy policies are prompting property owners and facility managers to take a closer look at hydronic heating systems.
Hydronic heating is time-tested, having been in use in some form for over 100 years. While the energy efficiency of hydronic systems is no secret, using a fraction of the energy required by forced-air HVAC systems, the technology is poised to take center stage as federal and state mandates require commercial buildings to reduce emissions in the coming years. According to one estimate, the global hydronic systems market is expected to grow $1.3 billion by 2025.
“As part of its E3 initiative, the [U.S. Department of Energy] will be working closely with stakeholders nationwide over the next 10 years to transform the heating and cooling marketplace, making affordable, clean and efficient solutions easily available across the United States. That includes a strong emphasis on systems that can deploy effective hydronic heating and cooling technologies that already exist on the marketplace today,” Contractor reports.
Hydronic heating is particularly applicable to large commercial buildings such as multifamily properties and high-rises, which sometimes struggle to maintain even temperatures across stories. Because hydronics doesn’t depend on air as a delivery system, it provides consistent temperatures.
And hydronic and radiant systems can be fueled by clean-burning propane to help with decarbonization efforts.
