Soft, radiant warmth from above

Press, 19 April 1979, Page 12

Soft, radiant warmth from above

An increasingly papular | trend especially in new j homes is the radiant heat ceiling system which inj eludes your heating as an ! integral part of the ceil- ; ing. Each panel is precision manufactured from plasterglass linings in which low wattage radiant heat cables are embedded. The plaster sheets are maintained at a temperature of about 38 degrees C, at which gypsum plaster has particular qualities of radiation providing excellent characteristics for space heating. A non-heating lead, or “cold tail,” extends from the back of each panel facilitating connection to other panels to form a complete heating system for each room. Ceilings produce about 8 to 10 watts per square foot, depending on the climatic region. First, there is little converted air movement with less thermal layering between the ceiling and floor, and the room environment is invigorating and comfortable, the energy being not unlike that from the sun. Thus, there is greater stability of temperatures, and temperature variations between the ceiling and floor levels are less than any other system — being about 1 degree C, as com-

pared to from 8 to 11 degrees. This system uses existing building materials, is invisible and takes up no space. The gypsum plaster ceiling is uncomplicated, safe and clean — the energy being used in an economic and efficient manner. The capital cost is reasonable, making the system a most economic proposition and the installed capacity is less than that required in converted air systems. The wavelength is such that the radiation will not pass through glass, thus reducing heat loss, and furnishing fabrics and carpets also absorb radiation, raising their own temperatures regardless of the air temperature in the room.

Full thermostatic, control room by room is easily achieved giving a very smooth control of temperature, but adequate insulation is desirable of course to achieve optimum performance from the system. Although climatic conditions vary in different parts of the country, practice has established that Rl4 Batts are the most suitable form. In a recent exercise, it was established that under Canterbury conditions with normal insulation and other factors, such as air circulation, an entire house of about 1.200 sq ft could be heated comfortably at the recently established higher electric power costs for less than

$55 per two months. Radiant panels are approved and supported by the Electric Development Association and are made only by approved members of the New Zealand Fibrous Plaster Manufacturers’ Association. They are marketed in Christchurch under the names of “Panectric” by Wardrops Fibrous Piaster, Ltd, and as “Rayceil” by Plastercrafts, Ltd. Their installation follows the same procedure as for ordinary plasterglass. Two interesting aspects which could well be considered in line with the trend to additions and home improvements so popular today include the

use of radiant ceilings. If you are adding a room, either at ground level or on top of your home, think about a ceiling which combines with it a cosy, economical system. The additional cost is low and you do not lose any precious floor or wail space. So often today, many of the older houses call for replacement of ceilings. Instead of covering up your old ceiling, why not remove it altogether and replace it with a ceiling that combines a heating system. Come into the Heating ’79 and walk into the display room. Feel the soft, mild radiant warmth from above.