By Anne Fonda
A residential hydronic heating and cooling system heats or cools a space using water. There are multiple mechanical systems that can provide the energy: air to water heat pumps (AWHPs), boilers, and geothermal systems.
The water is heated or cooled and then sent into a radiator system or radiant flooring tubes to heat or cool your home. It is also sometimes called a radiant heating and cooling (RHC) system.
Unlike a traditional forced-air HVAC system, a hydronic heating and cooling system does not utilize ductwork. And unlike a traditional hydronic heating system like a boiler, a hydronic heat pump system will heat your home in the winter, but it will also cool your home in the summer. This makes it a great option if you need to replace your boiler system. It allows you to remove unsightly window AC units or portable air conditioners.
“If you love the gentle, dust-free warmth of radiator or underfloor heating, you don’t have to give it up to get air conditioning. A hydronic heat pump takes the best parts of a classic boiler system—steady, silent comfort—and modernizes it to deliver crisp, dehumidified cooling through quiet indoor fan coils. It’s the ultimate comfort upgrade that your family will appreciate in January and July alike.”
– Jennie Bergman, Portfolio Leader, Residential Package Units & Light Commercial Unitary
A hydronic heating and cooling system is highly energy efficient and can also be incorporated into your new home construction, providing both radiant floor heating and radiant cooling.
While it’s a relatively new concept for U.S. homeowners, hydronic heating is very common in Europe, and hydronic cooling is growing in popularity. HRC systems are very common in U.S. commercial buildings. Studies show that RHC systems can enhance comfort and energy efficiency in sustainable buildings. Most research so far has involved commercial applications, but it is expected that residential applications will see similar benefits.
| Heating System | What You Put In | What You Get Out | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Boiler (Oil or Gas) | $1.00 of fuel | 70¢ to 80¢ | Up to 30¢ escapes straight out of the exhaust pipe as smoke and waste gas. |
| High-Efficiency Modern Boiler | $1.00 of fuel | 90¢ to 95¢ of heat | Squeezes almost all the heat out of the fuel, but still loses a small amount up the chimney. |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | $1.00 of electricity | $3.00 to $4.00 of heat | Uses that $1.00 of power like a delivery truck to gather $3.00+ worth of free renewable warmth from the outdoor air. |
Small Viewport: pb-4
Medium Viewport: pb-6
Large Viewport: pb-6
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Jennie Bergman, Portfolio Leader, Residential Package Units & Light Commercial Unitary
An air to water heat pump (AWHP) uses water to heat and cool your home.
Heat pumps are HVAC systems that can perform both heating and cooling functions without the use of fossil fuels.
Learn about the refrigerant cycle and how your Trane heat pump or central AC system cools your home.
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
A phone