Natural and Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning

Radiant heat instead of circulating warm air

Conventional heating and air conditioning systems use air to transport heat. The air should flow through the room as evenly as possible and distribute the heat in the process. Practice shows that this approach only works theoretically. Air conditioning systems create unpleasant drafts. Dust and germs rise from radiators with the warm air. Both are not only uncomfortable, but create a health risk.

The modern way to control the room temperature is to use radiant heating and cooling. Underfloor heating is generally regarded as a proven and reliable technology. Today it is no longer just a luxury, but often a standard in new buildings.

All room enclosing surfaces are suitable for thermal activation. This applies to both heating and cooling of rooms. With regard to the effects achieved and the efficiency, the results differ depending on whether the ceiling, wall or floor is used for activation. If you follow the motto “learn from nature”, the decision as to which area should be used for thermal activation is very easy. In most applications, ceiling heating and cooling is the best choice, because warmth to make you feel good comes from above.

In addition to the correct temperature control, a healthy room climate also includes sufficiently fresh and clean room air. Since the heat transport via the air as a heat carrier is significantly less energy efficient than via water, BEKA relies on water-based, hydronic radiant heating and radiant cooling. In both heating and cooling mode, the water here has a temperature that is close to the desired room temperature. The drive power of the pumps required for water circulation is low compared to the fan power of a traditional air conditioning system.

Even if displacement ventilation to ensure clean and healthy indoor air is included in the operating cost calculation of the entire system, the use of water-based radiant heating and radiant cooling systems still allows cost reductions of around 50% compared to conventional air conditioning systems.