Coming home to a warm, dry home in winter can feel like a luxury, but is your home heating system affecting your health? As well as being both energy and cost efficient, hydronic heating is also better for your health than many home heating alternatives.

What is hydronic heating?

Hydronic heating is considered to be the most energy efficient and cost-effective form of in-home heating. It involves heating water with a gas boiler or electric heat pump and transporting the hot water through pipes around the home to disperse an even heat temperature across all rooms. The hot water is distributed via radiator panels within the home, or through a structural slab or within a screed underneath the flooring.

How hydronic heating affects your health

Most heating systems work by pumping recycled air through your home in order to heat up the space. Hydronic heating works differently, by using hot water and radiators to naturally heat the home via convection or radiant heat. This has a number of health benefits, particularly for asthma and allergy sufferers, and people prone to colds and flus.

  • Asthma. Many home heating systems can circulate dust, pollutants and smoke around the home, which can trigger asthma attacks. Because hydronic heating uses hot water and radiators or underfloor slabs, your home will be warmed naturally without the risk of dust or pollutants in the air.
  • Allergies. Similarly, a hydronic heating system can lower the risk of allergies in the home, as dust and allergens aren’t being circulated.
  • Cold and flu. Another side effect of heating systems can be the onset of cold and flu symptoms. Heaters that use recycled air can dry out your home, leading to a number of cold symptoms, including sore throats, itchy eyes and even sinus problems.

Is hydronic heating better for you than other heating systems?

Some home heating systems can have a negative impact on your health, particularly for allergy or asthma sufferers. Common heating systems include:

  • Fireplaces. Fireplaces and wood heaters can make your home toasty warm, but they also generate smoke and other pollutants. In some cases, these can cause allergy flare ups or trigger asthma attacks.
  • Ducted heating. Ducted heating recirculates air through the home, often bringing dust mites and allergens with it. If you have ducted heating at home, ensure that you are regularly cleaning the air filters to avoid the spread of dust mites and germs.
  • Gas heating. Faulty gas heaters can pollute your home with dangerous fumes including carbon monoxide. High levels of carbon monoxide can be very dangerous and even life threatening. Gas heaters need regular servicing to ensure they are running effectively and without faults.

About Hydrotherm Hydronic Heating

Hydrotherm Hydronic Heating is an industry leader in hydronic heating systems, hydronic heating supplies, and hydronic slab heating. With years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to design and install high-quality hydronic heating systems across Victoria. We customise every system to suit individual needs, specifications and budgets. Contact us to find out why we’re Melbourne’s leading hydronic heating specialists.