# Radiant Heat: More Efficient Than Baseboard And Forced Air > Radiant heating systems are gaining popularity over forced air or baseboard systems. Radiant heat uses less fuel to deliver better results. ![radiant heat, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radiant-heating-jonle.jpg)Radiant heating systems are quickly gaining in popularity as an alternative to systems such as forced air or baseboard, which are considerably less efficient. Radiant systems are able to use less fuel to deliver better results that keep your house warm all winter long. ![radiant heat, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/radiant-heating-jonle.jpg) Before making a decision on a system that will affect your comfort and energy expenses for years to come, you should familiarize yourself with some of the different types of radiant systems available. Radiant heat systems work by emanating heat from panels that are installed within your walls, floors or ceiling. The heat is then distributed through your house, until it reaches the temperature at which your thermostat is set.  Because they eschew ducts as a means of distributing the air, radiant systems don't lose heat in the delivery process, making them very efficient. There are different types of radiant heat systems that require different types of installations, but they share the same basic premise. Hydronic (or hot water) systems are the most popular types of radiant systems around, largely because they are relatively easy to install. A series of tubes is installed underneath your flooring that circulates water that has been warmed by a boiler. The flow of this water is controlled by the thermostat that sets the home's ideal temperature. Wet installs are similar but use a series of tubes (for water systems) or cables (for electric systems) embedded in a concrete slab located in your basement or under your floors. Dry installs forgo the slab and place the cables or tubes in an empty space under your floor. This simplifies the installation process but raises the operating temperature because it has to heat more total space. An HVAC technician can talk with you about your home’s heating needs to determine what type of system is best for you. [Contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) today to speak with a [certified HVAC expert](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/hvac-companies-qualifications-can-be-an-indicator-of-technician-quality-heres-why.html) who can help you with all of your heating and cooling needs. We have proudly served the state of Massachusetts for more than 80 years. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* *radiant heat **and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *Photo courtesy of [Shutterstock](http://www.shutterstock.com/).* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/radiant-heat-more-efficient-than-baseboard-and-forced-air.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/radiant-heat-more-efficient-than-baseboard-and-forced-air.html)