Radiant heat wall panels: definition and operation principles

When evaluating the design of heating systems, there are numerous options, each of which may adapt better or worse to the specific case. However, wall-mounted radiant heat panels represent a useful convenience today, not only in private buildings but also in public ones, ensuring zero clutter, uniform temperatures throughout the environment in which they are installed, and energy efficiency.

Let’s see together how radiant heat wall panels work and what the advantages and disadvantages of this system are.

How do radiant heat wall panels work?

In the article where we talked about radiant panels, we saw that there are three systems classified based on the position of the heating/cooling panels within the installation environment.

One of these systems is precisely the wall-mounted one! In the wall radiant system, the pipes through which water flows are installed vertically along the wall. The installation can be done with:

• the “wet system”: a system made on-site that involves the use of “wet” materials (e.g. plaster);
• the “dry system”: a system made by installing pre-assembled panels.

Like other types of radiant panels, wall-mounted ones also distribute heat through radiation.

This particular operating mode uses air movements to evenly spread heat (or coolness) and maintain a uniform temperature, containing costs.

How many and what types of wall-mounted radiant heat panels are there?

In the previous paragraph, we made a first distinction within the wall-mounted radiant panel system, based on the installation system. Wall-mounted radiant heat panels are also distinguished based on their operation, which will be different depending on whether it is a hydraulic or electric system:

• in hydraulic radiant panels, pipes are installed under a specific plaster, through which hot water flows in winter and cold water in summer;
• in electric radiant panels, a conductor releases energy in the form of heat when crossed by electric current.

Radiant panels can be installed bare, under a specific type of plaster characterized by good heat accumulation, or they can include a gypsum coating.

A final classification system for wall-mounted radiant heat panels is based on materials and finishes. This system distinguishes panels in:

• gypsum;
• glass;
• aluminum;
• mirror.

Heated room with wall-mounted radiant heat panels

How much does a system made with radiant heat wall panels cost?

As we always specify when it comes to costs related to plant works and engineering in general, it would not be prudent to define a specific price here, as the expense depends on many specific factors related to the individual project or intervention.

Even in the case of a heating/cooling system made with radiant heat wall panels, the price to be incurred depends on some factors mainly related to the type and quality of the structure.

In general, the higher the building’s heat loss, the greater the expense for the material to be installed – pipes and insulating thickness or panels. A lower thermal dispersion of the building, therefore with good insulation, allows both a reduction in consumption and savings in system expenses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiant heat wall panels?

Now that we have taken a look at this particular type of system, let’s sum up and see together what the main advantages and disadvantages are.

Among the advantages, we certainly find:

• more uniform heating and cooling: even compared to underfloor heating, radiant heat wall panels ensure a homogeneous temperature throughout the environment;
• reduction of humidity: this type of system eliminates thermal fluctuations that cause mold and condensation;
• rapid heating/cooling: hot or cold water, according to the need, circulates immediately in the pipes releasing the sensation of warmth and coolness in a few minutes. This speed is a direct consequence of certain economic savings as there is no need to wait for the desired temperature;
• smart heating: heat is stored and released throughout the day, unlike radiators which, once turned off, lead to a rather rapid cooling of the environment;
• ease of installation, maintenance, and possible removal;
• energy savings: especially in the case of electrical power connected to a photovoltaic inverter, the savings on consumption and therefore costs are clear;
• architectural freedom: radiant heat wall panels are completely hidden within the wall thickness, meaning minimal space occupation and maximum freedom in choosing furnishings;
• greater hygiene and air quality: the absence of air movements prevents dust displacement and therefore unhealthy air conditions, especially for those suffering from allergies.

The advantages are clearly many, but now let’s move on to the other side of the coin, the disadvantages. These, on the contrary, are almost difficult to identify. If we were to analyze the system thoroughly, we could say that the main disadvantages are:

• need for thicker walls: radiant heat panels must be integrated into the masonry and therefore require a greater depth of the wall;
• initial cost: the cost for the material and installation may be higher than that for a traditional system. However, it is important to specify that this cost would be offset by future savings.