TechNote 16 Radiant Floor Heating Cooling-Residential  

Unlike conventional heating and cooling systems that condition spaces primarily through convection, radiant systems condition the floor, ceiling, or walls, which in turn either radiate heat directly to occupants or objects, or absorb heat from occupants or objects. Radiant heating or cooling systems can be installed separately, or can utilize the same infrastructure to provide both heating and cooling. Heating systems are typically most efficient when installed in floors, whereas cooling systems usually operate most effectively when installed in ceilings; thus consideration should be given to the optimum placement for a specific project given the required heating and cooling loads.